For most of the last 10,000 years the earth has been in equilibrium, radiating out into space the exact same amount of heat as it absorbed. However, today, due to green house gas warming, the earth now absorbs 1.8 watts more per square meter than it radiates. It does not sound like much, but it amounts to roughly running a toaster 24/7 on every 1,011.71 sq metres (¼ acres) plot of the planet. However, this heat does not dissipate; it steadily accumulates, hour by hour, day by day, year by year.
~ Roedy (born: 1948-02-04 age: 62)