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What zettajoules reveal about Earth's growing energy imbalance

scienceMar 24, 202657

Researchers now express Earth's excess heat in zettajoules to show its true scale. A zettajoule equals 10^21 joules. New analyses show vast amounts of excess heat stored across the oceans, atmosphere, land and ICE. The rate of heat accumulation is accelerating, committing the planet to more warming, higher seas, and stronger extremes without rapid emissions cuts.

Key Highlights

Scientists quantify Earth's excess heat in zettajoules, equal to 10^21 joules.
Most excess heat is stored in the oceans, driving sea level rise.
Rate of heat accumulation has accelerated, signaling ongoing committed warming.