Understanding and Measuring the Earth’s Energy Imbalance

Understand energy imbalance as a problem and a metric

Energy imbalance is the difference in the amount of energy arriving on Earth from the sun and the amount returning to space. For decades, our escalating use of greenhouse gases has been pushing the Earth out of balance.

On this four-week course from the University of Glasgow, you’ll learn what energy imbalance is, how we could tackle it, and why it has become a vital metric for monitoring progress towards net zero.

Master the science behind energy imbalance

Researchers have shown that the Earth’s energy imbalance has almost doubled in recent years. If this trend continues, we can expect to see an even higher rise in global temperatures than previously predicted.

You’ll start by delving into the science behind energy imbalance, exploring how it connects to global climate change.

Examine strategies for tackling the imbalance

Once you’ve understood the causes of energy imbalance, you can begin to examine solutions.

In the second week of the course, you’ll think critically about what is needed to bring the Earth back to balance, and discover ways that the planet could get there naturally.

Learn why energy imbalance provides an indicator of climate progress

In the final week of the course, you’ll investigate why the Earth’s energy imbalance has become an important metric for monitoring our progress towards net zero.

You’ll be challenged to reflect on the best indicators for measuring success in our fight to beat the climate crisis.

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in the science behind the Earth’s energy imbalance, and its connection to the climate crisis.

Learners may include teachers, students, activists, NGO managers, supply chain managers, SME owners and many others.

• How does the Earth store heat and respond to continued warming?
• Welcome
• Understanding Greenhouse Gases and Warming
• What do we mean by balance?
• Where does the excess heat go?
• What does it mean for the Earth to be out of balance?
• Temperature Response to Greenhouse Gases
• Stabilising to Current Conditions
• Net zero emissions as a target
• Sustainability
• Can Earth's natural processes help toward decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
• Feedbacks in the Earth System
• Can plants save the planet?
• Offsetting - A solution that's hindering or helping?
• What is needed to bring the Earth back into balance?
• What do we need to achieve?
• Technology to the rescue?
• Can behaviour change make a difference?
• A whole systems approach
• Course conclusion