WMO Report on Earth's Heat Budget [UPSC Notes]

A report from the World Meteorological Organization about the state of the climate indicates that the climate system has been out of balance for several decades. In this article, you can read more on this report, the state of the earth’s climate system, the earth’s energy imbalance, and other details for the IAS exam.

WMO Report on Earth’s Heat Budget

In 2022, the worldwide mean temperature was 1.15°C higher than the 1850-1900 (preindustrial reference period) average. 

• It is crucial to conduct a worldwide effort to assess the Earth’s heat inventory in order to comprehend the effects of the planet’s energy imbalance on the climate system.
• A newly released study presented such an inventory covering the years 1960–2020.

Also read: Global warming likely to breach 1.5 °C

What is the Earth’s Energy Imbalance?

Earth Energy Imbalance (EEI) is the term used when the difference between solar radiation from the sun’s incoming and departing rays is greater than zero.

• The imbalance in the energy of the Earth has been brought about by human activities, specifically the release of greenhouse gases.
• In the many parts of the climate system (atmosphere, land, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere), the extra energy builds up as heat.  

Consequences of the Imbalance

• Humanity and the environment are negatively impacted by global warming. Residents of coastal areas are disproportionately impacted. 
• Sea level rise, which is primarily caused by the thermal expansion of the ocean, the melting of glacier land ice, and the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, raises the risk of coastal floods. 
• Our physical health is also at risk from global warming because abrupt events like cyclones and storms can be traumatic. 
• Uncertainty can be created by changes in the climate variables (like drought). Climate anxiety can also result from knowledge about climate change.
• This proves that our personal imbalance can result from the climate system’s imbalance.

Way Forward

• As long as there is an energy imbalance, the Earth will keep warming. Emissions must be decreased to zero in order to address the energy imbalance on Earth, which is caused by human activity.
• Among other things, we may lessen our impact on climate change by adopting active transportation (bike, walking), eating less meat and dairy products, decreasing food waste, and enhancing the energy efficiency of our homes.
• The ocean plays a crucial role in the management of the climate since it not only absorbs surplus heat but also acts as a major CO2 sink. However, if the total emissions of this gas rise, the ocean will become less effective in absorbing CO2.

WMO Report on Earth’s Heat Budget:- Download PDF Here