What is the greenhouse effect?

Earlier this week the world received the latest climate outlook, produced by the United Nations the report has reignited debate over greenhouse gases. Do you know what the greenhouse effect actually is?

The world will see notable changes, with a less severe but still significant impact here in the UK and Ireland, if greenhouse gases are not curtailed. Limiting temperatures to rising 1.5C by 2050 has been a long-held target, a notable barrier to achieving this is the aforementioned greenhouse effect.

In a greenhouse, the sun's rays travel through its glass to warm it up inside during the day. At night-time however, while it is colder outside the greenhouse is able to stay warm because the glass walls have trapped the sun's heat. A similar effect is happening with the planet.

Find out exactly what the greenhouse effect means with our Weather Explained video: