energibudgeten
Energibudgeten (the energy budget) is a concept in climate science describing the balance between energy entering the Earth system from the Sun and energy leaving to space. At the top of the atmosphere, the global budget is set by absorbed solar radiation and outgoing longwave radiation, with a portion of sunlight reflected back by the planet’s albedo. The average solar input is about 340 watts per square meter when spread over the globe, and roughly 30 percent is reflected, leaving about 239 W/m² absorbed. In a stable climate, this absorbed energy is balanced by the outgoing radiation.
Key components of the energibudgeten include the albedo, the greenhouse effect, atmospheric and surface processes, and
Measurement and quantification rely on satellites and in situ observations. Instruments such as those on CERES
Relevance of the energibudgeten lies in its central role for understanding climate change. Human activities increase