Definition: The Earth's temperature is influenced by solar energy output. Small variations in the Earth's orbit affect how much solar radiation is distributed seasonally and by latitude. This is linked to phenomena such as ice ages.

Real-world example: The Milankovitch Cycles are long-term changes in the Earth's movement that affect the distribution of solar radiation. An 11-year solar cycle also exists where the sun's energy output fluctuates, causing changes in global temperatures.

Definition: Changes in the atmosphere can disrupt the Earth's energy balance. For example, an increase in atmospheric gases, like carbon dioxide, could lead to global warming.

Real-world example: Greenhouse gas emissions from industries and vehicles increase the concentration of gases like CO2 in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.

Definition: Albedo refers to the reflectivity of a surface. Changes in albedo can affect global climate change, such as ice melting and being replaced by darker vegetation which absorbs more insolation, leading to rising temperatures.

Real-world example: Arctic ice melting due to global warming is reducing the Earth's albedo, as the dark ocean water absorbs more sunlight than reflective ice, increasing global warming.

Definition: Global dimming refers to the reduction in sunlight reaching the Earth's surface due to air pollution. It's thought that global dimming might be masking the true rate of global warming.

Real-world example: After the 9/11 attacks, when flights were grounded, there was a noticeable rise in temperature due to the absence of contrails, demonstrating the effect of global dimming.