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When short-wave solar energy enters the atmosphere, only 50% is absorbed by the Earth's surface. The rest is either reflected or absorbed elsewhere.

18% of solar radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere through dust, clouds and water vapour.

The Albedo Effect accounts for a 26% energy loss:

• 21% is reflected by the Earth's surface (e.g. ice caps).

• 5% is dispersed by gas particles in the air.

The remaining 56% travels to the Earth's surface. But 6% is lost through the form of long-wave radiation which is emitted from the surface because it is not as hot as the sun's surface.

This means only 50% of the total incoming solar energy is absorbed by the Earth's surface.