Global Dimming

Definition

Reduction in a solar radiation reaching the surface of the Earth.

How it’s occur?

Sulfate aerosol block sunlight from reaching Earth’ surface and reflect more sunlight into space

Volcanic eruption,dust storms and incomplete burning of fossil fuel( produce black soot) will cause
global dimming

Effect

Global dimming has interfered with the hydrological cycle by reducing evaporation and
may have reduced rainfall in some areas. Global dimming also creates a cooling effect
that may have partially masked the effect of greenhouse gases on global warming.

Example of global dimming:

Global Ashfall

Tests show the Greenland sulphate molecules were deposited sometime between A.D.
533 and 536. This date correlates well with a sulphate peak found in an Antarctic ice
core.

The team suspects the eruption occurred near the Equator, since its ash fell on both
ends of the globe.

The Greenland evidence is also consistent with tree-ring data from around the Northern
Hemisphere that show reduced growth rates lasting more than a decade starting in A.D.
536.

Curiously, the eruption's cooling effect did not extend to the southern hemisphere, the
scientists say.

Together, the tree-ring and acid evidence suggest the sixth-century eruption was even
bigger than Indonesia's Mount Tambora eruption of 1815, which also dimmed the sun.

9/11 event-

Absent of contrails produced a sharp rise in the range of Earth’s surface

Viewpoints in climate change

Viewpoint 1:

By George Monbiot

Carbon Emission can be reduced by 90% by 2030 without bringing civilization to end.

It is possible if there is a will from the governments

Viewpoint 2:

By Al Gore

Small change in daily routine will have a big difference in helping global warming.

Viewpoint 3:

The increase in temperature is simply a natural fluctuation with few long-terms consequences

Radioative forcing

Change in balance between radiation coming in and radiation coming out.

If it’s +ve – Earth’s surface are warmed up

If it – ve - Earth’s surface are cooled down

Possible climate change system responses to forcing mechanism

 Direct relationship- More forcing lead to more climate change

 Buffering action- Forcing increase but climate change does not follow in linear way( it’s
resistant to change)
 Climate change may response slowly, but then accelerate until it reach into new equilibrium
 Climate may make NO response to forcing changes but then tip over a threshold and change
rapidly until a new, higher equilibrium is reached
 It may then get stuck in a new equilibrium although the forcing decrease until it then tips
over a new threshold and falls rapidly.