Incoming solar radiation (light energy) is absorbed by the Earth's surface and converted to outgoing infrared radiation (heat energy). Since energy can neither be created nor destroyed, if more energy enters the Earth's climate system than leaves it, a net disequilibrium in the Earth's energy balance would result in __________.

Incoming solar radiation is converted into heat energy and absorbed by the Earth's surface. The law of conservation of energy says that energy can neither be created nor destroyed but rather changes from one form to another. Now if more and more energy enters the Earth's surface and very little portion of it leaves the Earth's surface then a net disequilibrium in the energy balance will result in increased temperature because Earth is absorbing much more heat than it should!

One of the key factors of this unbalance is the pollution created by burning fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels releases Carbon Dioxide CO2 and other pollutants.

Usually the leftover incoming solar radiation after being absorbed by the earth would escape back to the space but CO2 and other pollutants trap and absorb this radiation and thus, increases the Earth's temperature.