Question

On average, how much of the sun's energy is absorbed by Earth's atmosphere and clouds, without reaching Earth's surface?

Answer 1

49%

Explanation:

https://ag.tennessee.edu/solar/Pages/What%20Is%20Solar%20Energy/Earth-Energy-Budget.aspx

Above is Earth's solar budget. As you can see, the amount reflected by the atmosphere (6%), clouds (20%) and the surface of the Earth (4%) is 30%. The gases in the atmosphere also absorbs 16%, and clouds absorb 3%. That is 49%.

The reason the atmosphere is different from the clouds is the atmosphere is referring to gases in the atmosphere. Clouds are not gaseous. They are made of very small liquid or solid water particles and condensation nuclei.