1. 3. Climate Change 3.1 Observations 3.2 Theory of Climate Change 3.3 Climate Change Prediction 3.4 The IPCC Process

2. 3.2 Theory of Climate Change - The Greenhouse Effect The Greenhouse Effect is a fundamental physical effect that is NOT controversial. It is an important effect that keeps our planet considerably warmer than if it did not operate. This is because water vapor is a strong greenhouse gas.

3. 3 Solar Radiation Received at TOA Outgoing radiation Solar absorbed Northward transport of energy Northward transport by atmosphere

4. 4 Incoming and Outgoing Radiation Incoming Solar radiation OutgoingTerrestrial radiation Visible radiation Solar radiation is shortwave Terrestrial radiation is longwave (infrared)

5. 5 Earth’s Energy Budget

6. 6 Short Wave Radiation reflected from surface: Annual Long Term Mean

7. 7 Monthly Mean OLR

8. 8 Net Radiation at the top of the atmosphere