Radiative forcing

Radiative forcing is a change in Earth’s net downward radiative energy flux caused by a perturbation, such as increased greenhouse-gas concentrations. It is usually measured in watts per square metre.

Earth's energy budget: The balance between energy Earth receives from the Sun and energy it reflects or emits to space. Radiative forcing measures a perturbation to this planetary balance.
Radiative flux: The rate at which radiant energy crosses a unit area, commonly measured in watts per square metre. Forcing is defined as a change in radiative flux.
Global warming potential: A measure comparing the integrated radiative forcing from emissions of different greenhouse gases over a chosen time horizon. It uses forcing to compare the climate influence of gases such as methane and carbon dioxide.
Climate feedback parameter: A measure of how strongly a climate system's radiative response changes with global temperature. It describes the temperature-dependent response, not the imposed forcing.
Greenhouse effect: The warming influence of atmospheric gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation. Rising greenhouse-gas concentrations reduce outgoing infrared energy, producing positive forcing.
Solar irradiance: The solar power received per unit area at a specified distance from the Sun. Changes in incoming sunlight can create radiative forcing.
Climate change attribution: The assessment of causes of observed climate changes using observations, models, and physical evidence. Estimated forcings help separate human influences from natural variability.
Ocean heat uptake: The transfer and storage of excess energy in the ocean as Earth's climate warms. It delays surface warming without being the forcing that initiated the imbalance.
Radiative equilibrium: A state in which absorbed radiation balances emitted radiation. Forcing disrupts the balance until temperatures or other conditions adjust.
Albedo: The fraction of incoming radiation reflected by a surface or body. Albedo changes alter how much solar energy Earth absorbs.

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