Is the greenhouse effect a bad thing for the planet? Why or why not?

The greenhouse effect is the way in which heat is trapped close to Earth's surface by “greenhouse gases.” These heat-trapping gases can be thought of as a blanket wrapped around Earth, keeping the planet toastier than it would be without them. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, and water vapor. (Water vapor, which responds physically or chemically to changes in temperature, is called a "feedback.")

Greenhouse gases occur naturally and are part of our atmosphere's makeup which keeps the planet at a friendly 15 °C (59 °F) on average.

Most climate scientists agree that we must reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Ways to do this, include:

driving less, using public transportation, carpooling, walking, or riding a bike.
flying less—airplanes produce huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions.
reducing, reusing, and recycling.
planting a tree—trees absorb carbon dioxide, keeping it out of the atmosphere.
using less electricity.
eating less meat—cows are one of the biggest methane producers.
supporting alternative energy sources that don’t burn fossil fuels.