Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Abrupt Impacts of Climate Change: Anticipating Surprises

Larsen B ice shelf collapse: Abrupt climate change —- large shifts in climate that take place within decades or even years —- is the topic of increasing scientific research because of the potential for such changes to happen faster than society or ecosystems could adapt. (Credit: Landsat 7 Science Team and NASA GSFC) Click to enlarge.
A new report extends the idea of abrupt climate change, stating that even steady, gradual change in the physical climate system can have abrupt impacts elsewhere -- in human infrastructure and ecosystems for example -- if critical thresholds are crossed.

 The report calls for the development of an early warning system that could help society better anticipate sudden changes and emerging impacts.

 Abrupt Impacts of Climate Change:  Anticipating Surprises
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