The Greenhouse Effect Earth is the only planet that we know of that has the right conditions to support life. Because of it’s perfect distance from the sun, Earth has an average temperature of 60°F, making it an ideal place for many types of life to thrive in. However, the temperature would not be so ideal if we did not have an atmosphere with certain gasses in it. Without the help of gasses such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and others, the Earths climate would not be suitable for life. Energy from the sun heats the Earth, where that energy is then radiated back into space. These gasses trap the energy and make the climate on