Just How Sensitive Is Earth's Climate to Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide?
Thursday, October 8, 2009 - 19:49
in Earth & Climate
Carbon dioxide levels climbing toward a doubling of the 280 parts per million (ppm) concentration found in the preindustrial atmosphere pose the question: What impact will this increased greenhouse gas load have on the climate? If relatively small changes in CO 2 levels have big effects--meaning that we live in a more sensitive climate system--the planet could warm by as much as 6 degrees Celsius on average with attendant results such as changed weather patterns and sea-level rise. A less sensitive climate system would mean average warming of less than 2 degrees C and, therefore, fewer ramifications from global warming. [More]
Read the whole article on Scientific American
More from Scientific American
Related
- Spectacular heating of planet observedWed, 28 Jan 2009, 13:23:50 EST
- Ancient global warming episode holds clues to future climate, UH Manoa researcher saysThu, 16 Jul 2009, 17:25:44 EDT
- Decisive action needed as warming predictions worsen, says expertSat, 14 Feb 2009, 10:57:47 EST
- Modest CO2 cutbacks may be too little, too late for coral reefsMon, 22 Sep 2008, 16:09:02 EDT
- Gas from the past gives scientists new insights into climate and the oceansFri, 3 Oct 2008, 15:35:34 EDT