Venus has not always had its current harsh climate and atmospheric conditions. Scientists believe that Venus may have had a climate similar to Earth's billions of years ago, with the possibility of liquid water on its surface. However, due to a runaway greenhouse effect primarily caused by the vast amounts of carbon dioxide in its atmosphere, Venus underwent drastic changes. This effect trapped heat and led to the evaporation of any potential water, resulting in the extreme temperatures and high-pressure conditions seen today. The transformation from a possibly habitable environment to the current inhospitable conditions remains a subject of intense study and interest.