Radiative forcing is a measure of the energy imbalance in Earth’s atmosphere caused by changes in factors like greenhouse gases, aerosols, or solar radiation.
Key points:
- It is expressed in watts per square meter (W/m²).
- A positive radiative forcing means more incoming energy than outgoing, leading to warming.
- A negative radiative forcing implies more outgoing energy, leading to cooling.
Why it matters:
Radiative forcing helps scientists understand and quantify how human activities and natural processes affect the Earth’s climate. For instance, increasing CO₂ concentrations create positive radiative forcing, contributing to global warming. It’s a central concept in climate modeling and environmental policy.