Extreme event attribution, also called attribution science, is a method used to examine how much different causes contribute to a specific event. It also shows how certain scientists are about their findings. This science is most often used to study how human-caused climate change affects the frequency, strength, length, and effects of extreme weather events.
Numerical climate models, also called climate system models, are math models that show how important parts of Earth’s climate interact. These parts include the atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice. Scientists use these models to study how the climate works and to predict future climate changes.
Numerical climate models, also called climate system models, are mathematical tools that help scientists understand how different parts of Earth’s climate work together. These parts include the atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice. Scientists use these models to study how the climate system changes over time and to predict future climate conditions.
Numerical climate models, also called climate system models, are tools that use math to show how important parts of Earth’s climate work together. These parts include the atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice. Scientists use these models to study how the climate changes over time and to predict future climate conditions.
Earth systems models of intermediate complexity (EMICs) are an important type of climate model. They are mainly used to study Earth’s systems over long periods or when using less computer power. This is done by using lower time and space detail compared to more detailed general circulation models (GCMs).
Earth system science (ESS) uses the study of systems science to understand Earth. It looks at how different parts of Earth, such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, pedosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and magnetosphere, interact with each other through the movement of materials and energy. It also examines how human activities affect these parts.
Solar radiation modification (SRM), also called solar geoengineering, is a set of large methods used to help reduce global warming by reflecting more sunlight back into space instead of letting it reach Earth. It is not meant to replace efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions but is instead used to support those efforts as a possible way to slow global warming. SRM is a type of geoengineering.
Geoengineering, also called climate engineering or climate intervention, refers to planned large actions taken to help reduce the effects of climate change caused by humans. This area includes two main types: large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation modification (SRM). CDR uses methods to take carbon dioxide out of the air and is usually seen as a way to reduce the effects of climate change.
Cirrus cloud thinning (CCT) is a proposed method of climate change solutions. Cirrus clouds are high, cold clouds made of ice. Like other clouds, they reflect sunlight and absorb heat-trapping radiation.
Glacial geoengineering includes ideas aimed at reducing the melting of glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice in polar regions and some mountain areas. These ideas come from worries that certain processes—like less ice reflecting sunlight, faster glacier movement, and methane release from frozen ground—might worsen climate change and lead to major climate changes. Some proposed methods involve managing sunlight in specific areas, thinning clouds to let more heat escape, and using structures to support ice.