Atmospheric Scientist Andrew Dessler of Texas A&M has been doing a lot of important writing and speaking on the topic of climate sensitivity over the last several years. His debate with Richard Lindzen, posted here a while ago, is a good example of how he has managed to clearly explicate the major drivers of climate change.
He assures me that he wishes this video was funnier and snappier. What it is, is, an important first pass at pushback on the “climate sensitivity” meme, which is clearly shaping up as the initial pushback against the new IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), which will come out this fall.
I’ve since interviewed Andy by Skype, and am working on my own climate sensitivity piece, which I am sure will not be as precise and erudite, but, who knows, maybe I can include some Elmer Fudd clips to pump the levity content.
Anyone downplaying climate sensitivity is clearly ignoring the fact that it only took a forcing of .5 Watts per meter squared due to orbital change, a long term increase in CO2 of 100 ppm, and a long term methane increase of 300 ppb to push temperatures 5 C hotter at the end of the last ice age.
The current human forcing is 3 Watts per meter squared, 6 times the forcing that iniatated a 5 C increase at the end of the last ice age.
Sensitivity deflation is just the latest incarnation of climate change denial.
This video is very clear. The simple feedback equation is easily understandable for anyone who remembers algebra.
In offer of a constuctive criticism, I would like to suggest Dr. Dressler invest in a better microphone and/or recording system.
As for adding humor, I can’t think of anything funny about droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and not having any lobster bisque for my birthday.
Seconding the better microphone suggestion.
A few graphics – not equations – might be better too.
How many people do remember algebra I wonder?
I’ll admit I found this heavy going and very technical – afraid I’m also lousy at maths and algebra so whilst I got the gist of it, a simplified less maths heavy version would be much appreciated.
I’m looking forward to the Greenman3610 version.
Dr. Dressler did not mention the amplifying feedback of biologically sequestered carbon transforming into methane and CO2: methane hydrates, Siberian methane vents, Amazon drought, boreal forest peat decomposition, permafrost melt, forest fires, bog fires.
Methane release from the East Siberian Arctic Shelf and the Potential for Abrupt Climate Change http://climatestate.com/2013/08/26/methane-release-from-the-east-siberian-arctic-shelf-and-the-potential-for-abrupt-climate-change/