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.

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