3 ms·

Yes, but the direct heating effect is quite small compared to the effect of greenhouse gases. The world primary energy consumption is around 19 TW, whereas radi

by fsh 2y ago

Yes, but the direct heating effect is quite small compared to the effect of greenhouse gases. The world primary energy consumption is around 19 TW, whereas radiative forcing (difference to pre-industrial values) is estimated to be around 1 PW.

Havoc 2y ago
Ah that’s helpful. Numbers give a sense of scale. Thanks
- wffurr 2y ago
  Also note that 19TW is not even mostly heat but useful work: turning motors, pumping fluids or gases, generating light and sound, etc.
  - fsh 2y ago
    This is incorrect. Almost all primary energy is turned into heat eventually. Only a microscopic fraction is turned into light that escapes into space.
    - wffurr 2y ago
      The stored potential energy of a concrete block on the 15th floor of a building takes a very long time to turn back into heat.