Environmental Science
Radiative Forcing
Quick fact
Radiative forcing from CO₂ alone has increased by over 30% since pre-industrial times, significantly altering our planet’s energy balance.
Why this is interesting
Did you know that the same sunlight warming your skin can also be a major driver of climate change? It all starts with how Earth absorbs and releases heat.
Read the full explanation
Understanding Radiative Forcing
Radiative forcing is the measure of how much energy Earth gains or loses due to factors like greenhouse gases. Imagine Earth as a blanket that traps heat; radiative forcing tells us how thick that blanket has become over time.
A deeper explanation
Radiative forcing works by comparing incoming solar radiation with outgoing infrared radiation. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap more heat and alter this balance. This change is crucial for understanding climate change because it directly affects global temperatures.