1. Causes of global climate change

Syllabus Link: How natural and human processesaffect the

​                                     global energy balance

The atmospheric system, including the natural greenhouse effect and energy balance (incoming shortwave radiation and outgoing longwave radiation) Changes in the global energy balance, and the role of feedback loops, resulting from: solar radiation variations, including global dimming due to volcanic eruptions terrestrial albedo changes and feedback loops methane gas release and feedback loops The enhanced greenhouse effect and international variations in greenhouse gas sources and emissions, in relation to economic development, globalization and trade Synthesis, evaluation and skills opportunities The complexity of the dynamic climate system and the spatial interactions of different processes and feedback mechanisms