Aerosols & Shipping

Build a Planet

Open the KCVS Build a Planet tool to explore the factors that regulate the energy balance of our planet. You will notice that there are two energy bars in balance, the incoming energy our planet receives and the outgoing energy our planet gives off. Together, these two form a delicate balance that impacts the surface temperature of the planet. This balance determines if a planet is hospitable or not.

Radiative forcers play an important role in regulating the energy balance. Using a search engine, define both positive and negative radiative forcers and answer the following questions:

1. Which one has a warming effect? Which one contributes to cooling?
2. How does each one affect the energy balance?
3. Can you think of any positive and negative radiative forcers on our planet?

One of the factors contributing to the energy balance which can be seen on the Build a Planet tool is albedo.

1. Search up the definition of albedo. What is it?
2. What are some contributors to the albedo of our planet?

Warming by greenhouse gases is the other factor contributing to the energy balance on the Build a Planet tool. Greenhouse gases absorb energy emitted by Earth, preventing it from escaping.