Earth Is Getting Darker — And That’s a Big Problem

A new NASA-backed study reveals that the northern hemisphere (NH) is dimming faster than the southern hemisphere (SH).

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This happens because the NH is losing more reflected light (albedo) and absorbing more solar radiation.

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The CERES satellite data shows the NH’s radiative energy loss is increasing by 0.34 watts/m² per decade — small but significant.

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Normally, ocean currents balance Earth’s radiation budget, but that balance has been breaking down for the past 20 years.

The melting of Arctic sea ice is replacing reflective surfaces with darker ones, causing more heat absorption.

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Cloud cover—especially low clouds—is decreasing, reducing Earth’s natural reflectivity even more.

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Fewer aerosols from reduced pollution mean fewer cloud “seeds”, making it harder for clouds to form.

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NOAA found that cleaner transoceanic shipping has cut “ship track” clouds, unintentionally speeding up warming.

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In contrast, the SH has seen temporary aerosol boosts from events like Australian wildfires and the Tonga volcano eruption.

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Scientists warn this growing hemispheric radiation gap could reshape future climate models, urging innovative global action.

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