Why do scientists study Venus to better understand environmental change on Earth?

Scientists study Venus to better understand environmental change on Earth primarily because the two planets share significant similarities in mass, size, and composition, yet have evolved vastly different surface conditions.12

A primary focus of this research is the greenhouse effect. While Earth maintains a moderate temperature, Venus experiences an extreme greenhouse effect caused by its dense carbon dioxide atmosphere, which traps infrared radiation and raises surface temperatures to roughly 464 °C (867 °F). By analyzing how this process functions on Venus, scientists gain a deeper understanding of the influence of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere. This research provides critical insights into the potential impacts of human activities on Earth’s energy balance and helps clarify how environmental changes, such as those driven by global warming, can alter planetary climates.345