The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon where certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, trap some of the heat radiated from the Earth's surface, maintaining a temperature that allows life to develop. Increased CO2 emissions from industrial activities are enhancing the greenhouse effect and causing global warming, with consequences like droughts, wildfires, heat waves, floods and storms. Countries aim to reduce this effect through agreements like the Kyoto Protocol, where industrialized nations committed to lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 5% from 1990 levels.