AGU, July 21, 2020
Earth’s global “climate sensitivity” to CO2 emissions remains a fundamental question in predicting the future climate. Until now, scientists relied on a 1979 estimate of 1.5‐4.5°C per doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide (assuming no other climate forcing). For the first time in 40 years, this consensus report – part of preparation for the next IPCC Assessment Report, AR6 – amends this estimate, placing climate sensitivity near the middle or upper part of this range, between 2.6-4.1°C. The authors conclude that it now appears extremely unlikely that temperatures well in excess of 2°C can be avoided under high emissions scenarios.
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1029/2019RG000678
Compiled by Amy Imdieke
By Emily Jacobson, Science Writing Intern; Amy Imdieke, Global Outreach Director; and Pam Pearson, Director of ICCI.
Published Jul. 24, 2020 Updated Jul. 12, 2022 3:20 pm
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