Earth is getting darker, NASA warns. What does that mean for humanity?

The Earth is reflecting less sunlight into space, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, according to NASA data. The decline in reflection, known as albedo, has been measured over the last 24 years, with a decrease of 0.83 watts per square meter per decade. This increase in absorbed radiation is not fully offset by air and ocean currents, leading to a net increase of 0.21 watts per square meter per decade. Several factors contribute to the reduced reflection, including shrinking ice cover in the Arctic, decreased air pollution leading to fewer clouds, and the effects of bushfires and volcanic eruptions in the Southern Hemisphere. The shift in reflection suggests that the Earth's equalization mechanisms, such as clouds and ocean currents, are no longer fully effective, leading to the storage of more energy in the Northern Hemisphere. This could result in additional warming in regions like Europe and North America. The study emphasizes the importance of including these changes in climate models, as the persistence or rebalancing of this symmetry break will have significant implications for the future of global climates.