Feedback Loops - Albedo
Provided by: Climate Emergency: Feedback Loops|Published on: June 15, 2022|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Bonnie Waltch, Susan Gray
Location: Earth, Polar Regions
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video describes the feedback loops related to arctic sea ice, the loss of the albedo effect, and sea level rise.
- Students will learn that ice and snow at the poles reflect heat from the sun in a phenomenon called the albedo effect. As global temperatures rise and snow and ice melt, less heat can be reflected away from Earth causing more ice to melt and ocean waters to warm.
- Warmer water triggers a second feedback loop in which sea levels rise due to the melting of ice at the poles. As more land ice turns into water, the sea level rises, which causes more ice to melt.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The video provides diagrams and visuals to support understanding.
- The video provides subtitles in 25 languages.
Additional Prerequisites
- This video does not explain what a feedback loop is, so teachers may want to show students this introduction video on feedback loops.
- The concept of chain reactions, feedback loops, and tipping points can be abstract and difficult for students to grasp. Consider discussing these terms before viewing the video and providing some simple examples to aid understanding.
Differentiation
- Consider having students copy the feedback loop diagrams from the video, or create their own to support understanding.
- This topic can be emotionally challenging for students to learn about. Teachers should plan to provide support and options for students to take action for the climate so they do not feel powerless in the face of this global issue.
- Students are more likely to understand the concept of albedo and feedback loops by investigating a model or experiencing this effect through observation. Consider pairing this resource with this lab or with this experiment about the albedo effect.
The resource spotlights the importance of the albedo effect in cooling the planet. Climate change has caused more snow and ice cover to melt in the Arctic. There is a need to limit fossil fuel emissions to reduce global warming to enable our snow and ice cover to reflect heat to space. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
