British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Environmental Science Glossary - Greenhouse gases definition

Definition: Greenhouse gases are a special type of gas that traps/absorbs heat energy from the sun; they help to regulate the temperature and make sure that the Earth stays warm. Some of this heat energy from the sun is reflected into space but some of it is trapped by these Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Too much Greenhouse gas means that more of this heat is trapped/absorbed and the Earth's temperature rises, which isn't a good thing. An example of a Greenhouse gas is Methane which comes from Cow poo, landfill also produces Methane. Oxides of Nitrogen are released by power stations and car exhaust fumes.