Physical Sciences Division
Published October 20, 2016 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Lessons on Climate Sensitivity From Past Climate Changes

Creators

  • 1. Utrecht University
  • 2. Stockholm University
  • 3. Université catholique de Louvain
  • 4. University of Southampton
  • 5. Purdue University
  • 6. Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar-und Meeresforschung
  • 7. University of Bristol
  • 8. University of Exeter
  • 9. Wageningen University
  • 10. University of Copenhagen
  • 11. Ecole Normale Supérieure
  • 12. University of Leeds
  • 13. Eindhoven University of Technology
  • 14. University of Bremen
  • 15. University of Chicago

Description

Over the last decade, our understanding of climate sensitivity has improved considerably. The climate system shows variability on many timescales, is subject to non-stationary forcing and it is most likely out of equilibrium with the changes in the radiative forcing. Slow and fast feedbacks complicate the interpretation of geological records as feedback strengths vary over time. In the geological past, the forcing timescales were different than at present, suggesting that the response may have behaved differently. Do these insights constrain the climate sensitivity relevant for the present day? In this paper, we review the progress made in theoretical understanding of climate sensitivity and on the estimation of climate sensitivity from proxy records. Particular focus lies on the background state dependence of feedback processes and on the impact of tipping points on the climate system. We suggest how to further use palaeo data to advance our understanding of the currently ongoing climate change.

Notes

Due to the large number of authors, only the first 20 and the University of Chicago authors are included on the above author list. Please download the article for the complete list of authors.

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Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1007/s40641-016-0049-3
Other
oai:uchicago.tind.io:14790

Funding

Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
024.002.001
Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative
N00014-16-1-2073
National Science Foundation
OCE 1243175
European Research Council
FP7/2007-2013
European Research Council
278636
Helmholtz
National Science Foundation
1536454
European Research Council
617462
European Unions Seventh Framework Programme
290201

UChicago Information

Division(s)
Physical Sciences Division
Department(s)
Geophysical Sciences