ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the mechanisms for the transfer of solar energy through the Earth's atmosphere on to the Earth's surface will be examined. In addition, the conversion of incident solar radiation into emitted terrestrial radiation from the Earth's surface will be described and the role of the 'greenhouse effect' in sustaining life on Earth will be discussed. The increasing influence of industrialization on the climate will be reviewed and the environmental problems of ozone depletion and global warming examined.
