Catastrophic Climate Change: We Caused It; We're Going to Have to Fix It.

Albedo Effect

The Albedo Effect refers to the differing rates at which different objects heat up when exposed to sunlight. Snow reflects a lot of light energy, so it is slow to absorb energy from the sun. Black metal objects are quite efficient at turning sunlight into heat energy. Making more heat makes more climate change. Reflecting more light back into the sky reduces climate change. What does that have to do with you? You can make decisions about things you own so they reflect more sunlight and reduce warming at the Earth's surface. For example, when you need to have your roof redone, have it done in a light colour instead of black. If your car spends a lot of time in the sun, for your next vehicle select a more reflective colour (say white or light silver) instead of black, which will also reduce the summertime solar cooking effect for occupants. Use lighter colour paving stones for driveways and walkways. Put white awnings over windows and sun-facing decks. A lighter-coloured world will be a little cooler.