This review discusses the indirect aerosol effects on climate, focusing on their global implications and the need for improved representation in climate models. Aerosols influence cloud properties through various mechanisms, including acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN), which affect cloud albedo, lifetime, and precipitation. The Twomey effect, which enhances cloud albedo by increasing cloud droplet number, is the most studied indirect effect. However, other effects, such as the cloud lifetime effect and semi-direct effect, also play significant roles. The cloud lifetime effect, which prolongs cloud lifetime and increases reflectivity, is estimated to be comparable in magnitude to the Twomey effect. The semi-direct effect, caused by aerosol absorption of solar radiation, can lead to warming and influence cloud properties. These effects are complex and require accurate modeling to understand their climate impacts. The review highlights the importance of considering these indirect effects in climate models, as they significantly influence the global radiation budget and climate feedbacks. Observational studies and model simulations show that aerosol effects on clouds can lead to changes in cloud cover, precipitation, and surface temperature. The cooling effect of aerosols on the global mean is estimated to be between -1 and -4.4 W m⁻², with variations depending on the type and concentration of aerosols. The indirect effects of aerosols on clouds are also influenced by factors such as cloud microphysics, aerosol number concentration, and background aerosol levels. The review also discusses the effects of aerosols on mixed-phase and ice clouds, including the glaciation indirect effect and the impact of black carbon on cloud properties. These effects can influence the hydrological cycle, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric circulation. The study emphasizes the need for further research to better understand and model these complex aerosol-cloud interactions, as they are critical for accurate climate projections and policy decisions.This review discusses the indirect aerosol effects on climate, focusing on their global implications and the need for improved representation in climate models. Aerosols influence cloud properties through various mechanisms, including acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nuclei (IN), which affect cloud albedo, lifetime, and precipitation. The Twomey effect, which enhances cloud albedo by increasing cloud droplet number, is the most studied indirect effect. However, other effects, such as the cloud lifetime effect and semi-direct effect, also play significant roles. The cloud lifetime effect, which prolongs cloud lifetime and increases reflectivity, is estimated to be comparable in magnitude to the Twomey effect. The semi-direct effect, caused by aerosol absorption of solar radiation, can lead to warming and influence cloud properties. These effects are complex and require accurate modeling to understand their climate impacts. The review highlights the importance of considering these indirect effects in climate models, as they significantly influence the global radiation budget and climate feedbacks. Observational studies and model simulations show that aerosol effects on clouds can lead to changes in cloud cover, precipitation, and surface temperature. The cooling effect of aerosols on the global mean is estimated to be between -1 and -4.4 W m⁻², with variations depending on the type and concentration of aerosols. The indirect effects of aerosols on clouds are also influenced by factors such as cloud microphysics, aerosol number concentration, and background aerosol levels. The review also discusses the effects of aerosols on mixed-phase and ice clouds, including the glaciation indirect effect and the impact of black carbon on cloud properties. These effects can influence the hydrological cycle, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric circulation. The study emphasizes the need for further research to better understand and model these complex aerosol-cloud interactions, as they are critical for accurate climate projections and policy decisions.