---

Question 1:

What is climate sensitivity?

A) The ability of the climate to adapt to changing conditions
B) The temperature change in response to a doubling of atmospheric CO2
C) The time it takes for the climate to stabilize after a disturbance
D) The relationship between climate and human activities

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is B) The temperature change in response to a doubling of atmospheric CO2. Climate sensitivity refers to the equilibrium temperature change that occurs in response to a doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration. It is an important measure for understanding the potential magnitude of future climate change and assessing the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions.

---

Question 2:

What factors influence climate sensitivity?

A) Feedback mechanisms in the climate system
B) Natural variability and internal climate processes
C) Changes in cloud cover and atmospheric water vapor
D) All of the above

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is D) All of the above. Climate sensitivity is influenced by various factors, including feedback mechanisms in the climate system, natural variability and internal climate processes, and changes in cloud cover and atmospheric water vapor. These factors can amplify or dampen the initial temperature response to greenhouse gas forcing, resulting in different levels of climate sensitivity.

---

Question 3:

What is the current estimated range for climate sensitivity?

A) 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius per doubling of CO2
B) 1 to 2 degrees Celsius per doubling of CO2
C) 2 to 4 degrees Celsius per doubling of CO2
D) 4 to 6 degrees Celsius per doubling of CO2

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is C) 2 to 4 degrees Celsius per doubling of CO2. The current estimated range for climate sensitivity, as assessed by various climate models and studies, is approximately 2 to 4 degrees Celsius per doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration. However, uncertainties still exist due to the complex nature of the climate system and the challenges in accurately modeling feedback processes.

---

Question 4:

Why is climate sensitivity important for climate change projections?

A) It determines the speed and magnitude of future temperature changes
B) It helps estimate the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions
C) It guides the development of climate policies and adaptation strategies
D) All of the above

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is D) All of the above. Climate sensitivity plays a crucial role in climate change projections as it determines the speed and magnitude of future temperature changes in response to greenhouse gas emissions. Estimating climate sensitivity helps assess the potential impacts of climate change, inform the development of climate policies, and guide adaptation strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of a changing climate.

---

Question 5:

What are some factors that contribute to uncertainties in climate sensitivity estimates?

A) Cloud feedbacks and aerosol effects
B) Ocean heat uptake and circulation patterns
C) Model limitations and simplifications
D) All of the above

Show Answer

Explanation: The correct answer is D) All of the above. Uncertainties in climate sensitivity estimates arise from various sources, including cloud feedbacks, aerosol effects, ocean heat uptake, circulation patterns, and the inherent limitations and simplifications in climate models. These factors introduce complexities and challenges in accurately quantifying climate sensitivity, highlighting the need for ongoing research and improved understanding of the Earth's climate system.