Which is a consequence of an imbalance in the Earth’s energy budget?

Answer 1

An imbalance in the Earth's energy budget can lead to several significant consequences, the most prominent of which include:

1. Global Warming: An excess of incoming solar energy relative to outgoing heat can result in an increase in global temperatures, contributing to climate change.

2. Climate Change: Alterations in temperature can disrupt weather patterns, leading to more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall.

3. Ice Melt: Increased global temperatures can accelerate the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, contributing to rising sea levels.

4. Ocean Acidification: Higher atmospheric CO2 levels can lead to increased carbon absorption by oceans, causing ocean acidification, which affects marine ecosystems.

5. Ecosystem Disruption: Changes in temperature and weather patterns can disrupt habitats, leading to shifts in biodiversity and species extinction.

6. Rising Sea Levels: The combination of ice melt and warming ocean water (which expands as it warms) can contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.

These consequences underline the importance of maintaining a balanced energy budget to ensure the stability of the Earth’s climate system.