Is the Earth currently in energy balance based on total energy budget and flows?

The Earth is considered to be in energy balance when the amount of energy it receives from the Sun matches the amount of energy it radiates back into space. Currently, the Earth is not in perfect energy balance; it is receiving energy at a rate that exceeds its rate of radiation back into space. This imbalance contributes to the rise in global temperatures and is a central aspect of climate change.

The difference arises due to factors such as increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, which trap heat and prevent some of the outgoing energy from escaping. This results in a net gain of energy in the Earth system, leading to warming and climate-related changes.

Understanding this imbalance is crucial for addressing climate change, as it emphasizes the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance strategies for energy management to reach a more stable energy balance in the future.