Transient climate response

Definition

Transient climate response refers to the change in global average temperature that occurs in response to a sustained increase in greenhouse gas concentrations over a specific period, typically around 70 years. This concept is important for understanding how the Earth’s climate system reacts to anthropogenic emissions and the timing of climate feedbacks. The transient climate response is often assessed using climate models that simulate the effects of increasing greenhouse gases on temperature over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transient climate response is typically estimated to be about 1.5°C for a doubling of CO2, but this can vary based on different feedback mechanisms in the climate system.
2. This response includes both short-term and long-term changes in temperature, highlighting the importance of time scales in assessing climate impacts.
3. Climate models that project transient climate response often include various scenarios for greenhouse gas emissions, which influence temperature predictions.
4. The transient climate response helps policymakers understand potential immediate impacts of climate change, which can guide mitigation strategies.
5. Understanding transient climate response is crucial for predicting regional climate impacts, as different areas may respond differently due to varying local conditions.

Review Questions

• How does transient climate response differ from equilibrium climate sensitivity in terms of time frames and temperature changes?
  • Transient climate response focuses on the immediate temperature changes that occur over a relatively short period (around 70 years) due to sustained increases in greenhouse gas concentrations. In contrast, equilibrium climate sensitivity measures the long-term temperature increase expected after the Earth’s climate system has fully adjusted to a doubling of CO2 levels. While transient responses provide insight into short-term impacts, equilibrium sensitivity reflects more permanent changes that could occur if greenhouse gas levels stabilize.
• Discuss how understanding transient climate response aids in developing effective climate policies.
  • Grasping transient climate response is essential for informing climate policies as it illustrates the short-term effects of greenhouse gas emissions on global temperatures. This understanding allows policymakers to anticipate immediate consequences and take action to mitigate these impacts through emission reduction strategies. By incorporating transient responses into decision-making, leaders can create more effective policies that address both short-term challenges and long-term sustainability goals.
• Evaluate the role of feedback mechanisms in transient climate response and how they influence future climate predictions.
  • Feedback mechanisms play a significant role in shaping transient climate response by either amplifying or moderating temperature changes. For instance, increased water vapor can enhance warming (positive feedback), while cloud cover may reflect sunlight and reduce warming (negative feedback). Evaluating these mechanisms is crucial as they affect predictions about future climate scenarios; different feedback strengths can lead to vastly different projections of global warming. Understanding these interactions helps scientists improve models and offer more accurate predictions about how the Earth's climate will respond to ongoing human activity.

Related terms

climate feedbacks: Processes that can either amplify or dampen the effects of climate change, such as water vapor feedback or ice-albedo feedback.

equilibrium climate sensitivity: The expected increase in global average temperature associated with a doubling of CO2 concentrations, measured after the climate system has reached a new equilibrium.

radiative forcing: The difference between the amount of solar energy absorbed by the Earth and the amount of energy radiated back to space, which influences climate change.