What happens to infrared radiation released by the Earth if there is an increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
When there is an increased level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, it can lead to the greenhouse effect. CO2 molecules absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, which is a form of heat energy. As a result, the increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere traps more of the infrared radiation that is trying to escape into space, preventing it from cooling the Earth effectively.
This process is often referred to as "radiative forcing." As CO2 levels increase, the greenhouse effect becomes enhanced, causing more of the outgoing longwave (infrared) radiation emitted by the Earth's surface to be absorbed by CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the overall temperature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, known as global warming.
Essentially, the increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enhances the absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation, trapping more heat and contributing to the warming of the Earth.