Eli5 Is it possible that global warming is literally the result of humans are making the earth darker?

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I’m sure this is just a really stupid question based on multiple misunderstandings, but what if global warming was literally just the result of more dark-colored buildings and structures such as blacktop roads? Are we making the earth absorb more sunrays, and therefore increasing the heat energy within the atmosphere?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

You’re not completely wrong in that the dark asphalt of wide suburban roads and parking lots contributes to heat island effects, but those are extremely local and aren’t driving global climate change in the way that atmospheric and polar albedo are. That said, you’ve pointed out a good example of how auto-oriented development hurts communities beyond tailpipe emissions, which seems to be left out of the discussion about electrifying cars.

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