The “greenhouse effect” is an important part of human survival, allowing naturally occurring gases such as carbon dioxide to trap some heat in the atmosphere so we can live. But as people burn more fossil fuels — such as coal, oil, and gas — more and more carbon dioxide is released into the environment, trapping greater amounts of heat. The resulting “climate change” leads to higher temperatures, melting ice sheets, and more. Solar energy systems allow us to power our homes and businesses without releasing additional greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.