We’re all well aware of the tremendous shifts in the Earth’s climate. For a lot of time, scientists had been wondering who or what is to blame for such changes. A new study supposedly clears all doubts.
A balance between the energy absorbed by our planet from the Sun and the energy emitted back into space is crucial for maintaining a good climate on Earth. A new study published in Nature Communications shows that the balance has pretty much disappeared in recent years, and the difference is even growing.
Less than 1% chances for the changes to occur naturally
The scientists from Princeton University found that the chances for the changes to occur naturally are less than 1 percent.
The research also explains how greenhouse gas emissions and other human-caused climate change consequences are damaging the planet’s balance. Therefore, phenomenons like extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and global warming are kicking in. In other words, pretty much everyone could be held responsible for climate change.
What happens is that emissions from human activities involving methane, carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases will cause heat in our atmosphere. The planet further absorbs infrared radiation that should normally go into space.
Shiv Priyam Raghuraman, who is the lead author of the new study and a graduate student in atmospheric and oceanic sciences from Princeton, declared as quoted by NBC News:
With more and more changes to the planet, we’ve created this imbalance where we have surplus energy in the system,
That surplus manifests as different symptoms.
Taking good care of our planet is crucial for the future of mankind. It’s the future of our children and grandchildren at stake. We should leave the planet in good shape after we pass away and make room for others.
