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Earth's Reflectivity Declines: North Absorbs More Solar Energy

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Earth's reflectivity has declined over the past 20 years, with clear hemispheric differences between the north and south.
The northern hemisphere absorbs 0.34 watts per square meter per decade more solar energy due to reduced snow and ice.
Aerosols fall in the north under stricter regulations, while natural events in the south raise aerosols, altering cloud reflectivity and energy balance.

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Story summary

Earth's reflectivity has declined over the past 20 years, with clear hemispheric differences between the north and south.
The northern hemisphere absorbs 0.34 watts per square meter per decade more solar energy due to reduced snow and ice.
Aerosols fall in the north under stricter regulations, while natural events in the south raise aerosols, altering cloud reflectivity and energy balance.