This is a question & reply written by the 4th AS class of the Scientific High School Applied Sciences Galileo Galilei of Spadafora (Messina) for Evidence Network Academy.
Albedo is the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight. This value varies between 0 and 1: dark surfaces, like the oceans, have a low albedo and absorb more heat, while clear surfaces, such as snow and ice, have a high albedo and reflect more light. Albedo is important for the terrestrial energy balance. For example, polar caps reflect a lot of sunlight, helping to keep global temperatures low. However, with global warming, the glaciers melt, leaving room for darker surfaces such as the oceans, which absorb more heat. This causes a further increase in temperatures in a cycle that self -fulfillment. Human activities also influence the albedo.
Solar light. Deforestation, urbanization and choice of materials in buildings can change the amount of reflex or absorbed solar energy. For example, cities with many dark surfaces tend to retain more heat, causing the urban heat island effect. Keeping the global albedo high is important to limit climate change. Protecting polar caps, using light materials in cities and planting adequate vegetation are some practicable strategies.
