Q&A

Earth’s energy balance is the difference between energy coming in (from the sun) and that leaving (through radiation to space). How does reflectance impact the energy balance?

Reflectance is the energy that comes in and then leaves, because it is reflected. The more energy reflected, the colder Earth will be. If the amount reflected/absorbed changed, the temperature of the Earth would change.

How does reflectance and the energy balance impact the temperature of the planet?

The more energy reflected, the colder the planet will be because there is no energy staying in the surface (being absorbed). The more energy absorbed the hotter the planet will be because there is no energy leaving (being reflected). Obviously it is important to strike a correct balance and create an environment that is hospitable to life; not too much reflection, nor too little.