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Definitions
R
Radiation
Energy emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves. Radiation has differing characteristics depending upon the wavelength. As the radiation from the Sun is relatively energetic, it has a short wavelength (ultra-violet, visible, and near infra-red); energy re-radiated from the Earth's surface and the atmosphere has a longer wavelength (infra-red radiation) as the Earth is cooler than the Sun.
Radiative Damping
An imposed positive radiative forcing (q.v.) on the Earth-atmosphere system - for example, through the addition of greenhouse gases - that represents an energy surplus. The temperature of the surface and lower atmosphere will then increase and in turn increase the amount of infrared radiation being emitted into space, thus establishing a new energy balance. The amount that emissions of infrared radiation to space increases for a given increase in temperature is known as the radiative damping. [Source: IPCC]
Radiative Forcing
A change in the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infra-red radiation. Without any radiative forcing, solar radiation coming to the Earth would continue to be approximately equal to the infra-red radiation emitted from the Earth. The addition of greenhouse gases traps an increased fraction of the infra-red radiation, re-radiating it back toward the surface and creating a warming influence.
Ratification
After signing the Convention of the Kyoto Protocol, a country must ratify it, often with the approval of its parliament or other legislature. The instrument of ratification must be deposited with the depository (in this case, the UN Secretary-General) to begin the 90-day countdown to becoming a Party.
Information Services
Missed the Global Health Forum 2009?
Our blog, by SciDev.Net columnist Priya Shetty, will fill you in, as will our interview with the Global Forum's Gill Samuels
Clean cooperation
Countries must cooperate to develop clean technologies. Joint technology innovation centres can help
Just add water
Policymakers must improve water storage to help developing countries adapt to climate change
A climate for disease?
Will climate change worsen the burden of insect-borne disease? The scientific jury is still out
