Physics
Radiative Forcing
Quick fact
Radiative forcing can be positive (warming) or negative (cooling), depending on whether it increases or decreases Earth's energy imbalance.
Why this is interesting
Did you know that the planet’s temperature is controlled by a delicate balance of incoming sunlight and outgoing heat? What happens when this balance shifts?
Read the full explanation
Understanding Radiative Forcing
Radiative forcing describes the difference between the amount of solar radiation entering Earth’s atmosphere and the amount of heat energy leaving. Human activities, like burning fossil fuels, add greenhouse gases that trap more heat, increasing radiative forcing and warming the planet.
A deeper explanation
Radiative forcing is calculated by comparing the energy flowing into and out of Earth's system. When more energy remains trapped than escapes, it leads to global warming. This concept is vital for understanding how climate change progresses and how policies can reduce its impact.