- A recent study highlights that the 2022 increase in Earth's energy imbalance was largely driven by a shift from a "triple-dip" La Niña to a warm El Niño, combined with long-term climate change.
- Earth’s Energy Imbalance (EEI) refers to the difference between incoming solar radiation and outgoing heat energy. When more heat is trapped than emitted, global temperatures rise.
- The 2022 increase in EEI explains the sharp global temperature spike since early 2023.
- The "Triple Dip" Impact: During a La Niña, warm water remains deeper in the ocean, resulting in a cooler surface that emits less energy back into space. Read More
Energy Imbalance and the Changing Dynamics of El Niño
Context
Earth's Energy Imbalance Study