Cloudy climate change: How clouds affect Earth's temperature - Jasper Kirkby
202,545 Views
6,859 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
As the Earth’s surface temperature gradually rises, it has become vital for us to predict the rate of this increase with as much precision as possible. In order to do that, scientists need to understand more about aerosols and clouds. Jasper Kirkby details an experiment at CERN that aims to do just that.
What are aerosol particles in the atmosphere and can you suggest some of the ways they originate? Aerosol particles provide the seeds for cloud droplets. Clouds cool Earth's surface by reflecting incoming sunlight and also warm it by emitting infrared radiation. However, one of these effects is larger and so, globally averaged, do clouds lead to a net warming or cooling? Give one example from your personal experience of clouds a) cooling and b) warming Earth's surface.
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Jasper Kirkby
- Director Cedric Richer
- Sound Designer Igor Comes
- Narrator Jasper Kirkby
