Environment & Climate
Natural climate feedback loops may amplify warming up to 30 percent, study projects
Emissions from natural systems could add 0.2C to 0.4C to global temperatures, according to The Guardian.
The short version
- A study estimates that greenhouse emissions from natural sources could amplify global heating by 20% to 30% by the end of the century.[The Guardian]
- Researchers project these natural feedback loops will add between 0.2C and 0.4C to average global temperatures, depending on human emissions trajectories.[The Guardian]
- Lead author Sam Abernethy warns that climate models omit these feedbacks, risking an overestimation of the remaining carbon budget.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Natural emission sources are projected to increase global heating by 20% to 30% by 2100.[The Guardian]
- Natural feedbacks are estimated to add 0.2C under a fast-mitigation scenario and 0.4C under a higher emissions scenario.[The Guardian]
- The United Nations acknowledged that the international target to limit warming to 1.5C will be exceeded within the coming years.[The Guardian]
- Lead author Sam Abernethy stated that climate models omit these natural feedback mechanisms, likely underestimating warming.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The exact warming impact from natural feedbacks remains dependent on the extent of future global human emission reductions.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Climate ‘feedback loops’ could worsen global warming by 30%, study findsThe Guardian - World