Why is the earth not burning ? The earth radiative energy balance

TL;DR

This paper explains the Earth's energy balance by illustrating why the planet does not burn despite constant solar radiation, emphasizing the re-emission of absorbed energy through a series of calculations.

Contribution

It clarifies the concept of Earth's radiative energy balance for students using simple calculations, addressing common misconceptions.

Findings

Earth re-emits as much energy as it absorbs from the sun.

Storage of solar energy on Earth is negligible over geological timescales.

The Earth's energy balance explains its stable climate over billions of years.

Abstract

The concept of energy balance is a key one in climate science. Yet, students may find it counterintuitive: while it is obvious that some energy comes in from the sun, the part coming out is more elusive. Asking them why the earth is not burning after billions of years of exposure to the sun, takes them to the question "where does the energy goes?" A series of Fermi like calculations then convinces them that storage capabilities are negligible compared to the amount of energy coming in: the earth necessarily re-emits what it receives.