Climate Sensitivity to CO2 shown to be Higher than Previous Estimates

[NickB79]

http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-blogs/climatechange/climate-sensitivity-to-co2-sho/21841419

This most recent study from the University of New South Wales' Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science shows that when the processes of water vapor evaporation up into the atmosphere are corrected in the climate model it produces cycles that take water vapor to a wider range of heights in the atmosphere, causing fewer clouds to form in a warmer climate. This increases the amount of sunlight and heat entering the atmosphere and increases the sensitivity of our climate to carbon dioxide or any other perturbation, according to Eurekalert.

The research team concluded that there would be less low cloud formation as the Earth warms up due to this mixing process, which pulls moisture away from the level where these clouds typically form.

"When the processes are correct in the climate models the level of climate sensitivity is far higher. Previously estimates of the sensitivity of global temperature to a doubling of carbon dioxide ranged from 1.5°C to 5°C. This new research takes away the lower end of climate sensitivity estimates, meaning that global average temperatures will increase by 3°C to 5°C with a doubling of carbon dioxide,' according to lead-author Prof. Steven Sherwood from the University of New South Wales.

Based on this study, Global average temperatures will rise at least 4°C by 2100 and potentially more than 8°C by 2200 if carbon dioxide emissions are not reduced.

Whoopsie.