![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|||||||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
||
Detection of Climate Change
Clear and unambiguous detection of climate change and its impacts
on various systems are difficult. Climate change itself is difficult to
detect, so evaluating the effect of small changes of climate on natural
systems is doubly difficult. The complexity of influences, the presence of
both positive and negative feedbacks, and the possible synergistic effects
of multiple influences permit outcomes that may be much less or much
greater than can be estimated by evaluating impacts of isolated influences.
Surprises and unanticipated rapid changes cannot be ruled out. However,
neither should they be used as sole justification for demanding change in
human behavior. Continuing research and openness to new evidence are keys
to progress.
PREVIOUS: Mitigation and Adaptation
NEXT: Impacts on Terrestrial Ecosystems