Evidence-based Climate Forecasts

Evidence-based Predictions

Predictions that rely on empirical, qualitative, and quantitative evidence.

Empirical evidence

Data collected directly from measurements or observations.

Qualitative evidence

Evidence that uses words to describe events or features.

Quantitative evidence

Evidence that uses numbers and can be presented in charts, tables, and graphs.

Confidence intervals

A range of predicted values that will likely contain the actual value.

Global climate models

Models that provide evidence-based climate forecasts.

Weather stations

Stations that make constant measurements of weather conditions.

Satellites

Tools that measure atmospheric conditions and temperatures from space.

Tree rings

Growth indicators of trees that show wider rings in warmer years.

Ice cores

Samples of glacial ice that contain air bubbles indicating past temperatures.

Ocean sediment

Layers of sediment in the ocean that reveal historical climate patterns.

Prediction Models

Mathematical models used to predict future climate changes.

Chaotic system

A complex system where many variables interact unpredictably, such as Earth's climate.

Action pathways

Plans outlining steps needed to achieve a climate goal.

Coupled model intercomparison project

A collaborative effort of climatologists to produce improved climate models.

Net zero

The balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) released and removed from the atmosphere.

GHGs

Greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

Global average temperatures

The average temperature of the Earth calculated from various data sources.

Melting ice

The process of ice turning into water due to warming, which contributes to sea level rise.

Thermohaline circulation

Ocean currents driven by temperature and salinity differences.

Tropical cyclones

Storm systems characterized by strong winds and heavy rains in tropical regions.

Resilience

The ability of a system to adapt or recover from damaging events.

Agrivoltaics

The practice of installing solar panels on farmland to benefit crops and animals.

Ocean acidification

The decrease in pH of ocean waters due to increased carbon dioxide absorption.

Coral bleaching

A phenomenon caused by stressed corals expelling algae, turning them white.

Satellite imagery

Images of Earth obtained from satellites used for environmental monitoring.

Predictions of Southern Hemisphere warming

The forecast that vast oceans will prolong warming in this area.

Jet streams

Fast flowing air currents in the atmosphere that influence weather patterns.

Mid latitude precipitation changes

Predicted decrease in rainfall in certain mid-latitude regions.

Sea level rise

Increased ocean levels due to melting ice and thermal expansion.

Coral reef ecosystems

Marine ecosystems formed by coral and characterized by high biodiversity.

Historical climate patterns

Trends and changes in climate observed over long periods.

Mathematical computer models

Simulations that predict climate conditions using quantitative data.

Glacial ice

Ice formed from compacted snow that provides insights into past climate.

Air bubbles in glacial ice

Trapped samples of ancient atmosphere analyzed for historical data.

Oceans' role in climate change

How the Earth's oceans contribute to and are affected by global warming.

Atmospheric composition

The gases and particles present in the atmosphere that affect climate.

Past temperature indicators

Scientific data that reflects historical climate conditions.

Climate goal planning

Strategies and actions designed to achieve specific climate-related objectives.

Pathways to limit warming

Different scenarios assessed through models to control global temperature increases.

Data visualization techniques

Methods used to create graphical representations of quantitative data.

Climate system complexity

The multitude of factors that interact in the Earth's climate.

Environmental monitoring

The systematic observation of environmental variables over time.

Solar energy systems

Technologies that convert sunlight into usable electricity.

Climate action initiatives

Programs aimed at addressing climate change effects.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Release of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to warming.

Climatology

The scientific study of climate, including patterns and changes.

Data collection methods

Approaches used to gather information for scientific study.

Temperature forecasting

Predicting future temperatures based on past and present data.

Climate models validation

The process of comparing model predictions with actual climate observations.

Risk assessment in climate change

Evaluating the potential impacts of climate-related factors on ecosystems.

Adaptive technologies

Innovative solutions designed to help systems cope with climate impacts.

Climate change mitigation

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases.

Ecosystem resilience strategies

Techniques for helping ecosystems recover from climate-related impacts.

Behavioral adaptation to climate

Changes in human actions in response to climate challenges.

Climate policy development

Creation of guidelines and regulations to address climate change.

Urban heat islands

Urban areas that experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings.

Climate change impacts

Effects observed due to changes in climate patterns and conditions.

Agricultural adaptations

Changes in farming practices to cope with climate variability.

Coral conservation strategies

Efforts to protect and