Story perspectives

Earth's Energy Imbalance Fuels Global Warming and Marine Threats

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports Earth’s energy imbalance (EEI) as a key climate indicator of global warming.
Lead author John Kennedy explains EEI as the difference between solar energy absorbed and energy radiated into space.
The EEI drives warming, ice melt, and rising sea levels, with oceans absorbing 91% of excess heat.
Jennifer Jacquet from the University of Miami warns marine heat waves threaten fish livelihoods near the equator.

1 of 1

Story summary

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports Earth’s energy imbalance (EEI) as a key climate indicator of global warming.
Lead author John Kennedy explains EEI as the difference between solar energy absorbed and energy radiated into space.
The EEI drives warming, ice melt, and rising sea levels, with oceans absorbing 91% of excess heat.
Jennifer Jacquet from the University of Miami warns marine heat waves threaten fish livelihoods near the equator.