Estimating the timing of geophysical commitment to 1.5 and 2.0 °C of global warming

Dvorak, M.T., Armour, K.C., Frierson, D.M.W., Proistosescu, C., Baker, M.B., & Smith, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0599-4633 (2022). Estimating the timing of geophysical commitment to 1.5 and 2.0 °C of global warming. Nature Climate Change 10.1038/s41558-022-01372-y.

Preview

Text Dvorak_Armouretal_revised_wtables_accepted.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (440kB) | Preview

Abstract

Following abrupt cessation of anthropogenic emissions, decreases in short-lived aerosols would lead to a warming peak within a decade, followed by slow cooling as GHG concentrations decline. This implies a geophysical commitment to temporarily crossing warming levels before reaching them. Here we use an emissions-based climate model (FaIR) to estimate temperature change following cessation of emissions in 2021 and in every year thereafter until 2080 following eight Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). Assuming a medium-emissions trajectory (SSP2–4.5), we find that we are already committed to peak warming greater than 1.5 °C with 42% probability, increasing to 66% by 2029 (340 GtCO2 relative to 2021). Probability of peak warming greater than 2.0 °C is currently 2%, increasing to 66% by 2057 (1,550 GtCO2 relative to 2021). Because climate will cool from peak warming as GHG concentrations decline, committed warming of 1.5 °C in 2100 will not occur with at least 66% probability until 2055.

Actions (login required)

View Item