Systems thinking is a way of understanding complex problems by looking at how different parts of a system are connected and influence each other. When we apply this approach to the Earth’s energy balance, we treat the Earth as a system that receives (input), stores (stock), and releases (output) energy.

a. [5 pts] How albedo and aerosols influence the Earth’s energy balance and temperature?

 b. [5 pts] The table shows the results for two simulations using the “Infrared Light in the Atmosphere” (MODTRAN) model (Lab 2), considering the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) in 2000 and 2025. Compute the difference in outgoing infrared radiation (IR) and explain the effect of CO₂increase between 2000 and 2025 influences the Earth’s energy balance and temperature.