U.N. Climate Report Finds Growing Energy Imbalance on Earth

A U.N. report finds the gap between solar energy absorbed and energy reflected back to space is the largest since 1960, leaving more heat trapped on Earth. That imbalance is reported to be warming the oceans, atmosphere and frozen regions.

The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization released a report saying the planet is out of balance. The report assessed how much incoming solar energy the Earth absorbs versus how much is reflected back to space. Researchers reported the gap is the largest since measurements began in 1960. The report links that energy imbalance to warming in the oceans, atmosphere and frozen regions. Key findings: - The WMO State of the Global Climate report finds the gap between solar energy absorbed and energy reflected back to space is the biggest since measurements began in 1960. - The report says more of the sun's heat energy is remaining in Earth's systems, which is heating the oceans, the atmosphere and frozen regions. - The article notes a research scientist described the effect as similar to a heated room with closed windows, and the report's authors include climate scientists and meteorologists. Summary: The report indicates a persistent global energy imbalance that is leaving more heat in Earth's systems and contributing to warming of oceans, the atmosphere and frozen regions. Undetermined at this time.