What does albedo refer to in environmental science?

Albedo refers to the ability of surfaces to reflect sunlight. It is a critical concept in environmental science because different surfaces have varying capacities to reflect solar energy, which in turn influences local and global climates. For instance, light-colored surfaces, such as ice and snow, have a high albedo and reflect a significant proportion of sunlight, helping to keep the surface cool. In contrast, dark-colored surfaces, like forests or oceans, absorb more sunlight and have a lower albedo, contributing to warming in those areas. Understanding albedo is essential for studying climate change and assessing the impacts of land use changes, such as deforestation or urbanization, on local and global temperatures.