Climate change predictions are not taking account of the full range of possible effects of rising carbon dioxide levels, researchers say.
Climate change predictions are not taking account of the full range of possible effects of rising carbon dioxide levels, researchers say.
Scientists currently use models in which warming of 1.5°C coincides with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of between 425 and 520 parts per million (ppm).
But analysis by the University of Exeter and the Met Office suggests that if the climate warms slower, 1.5°C warming could be delayed until CO2 reached higher levels – up to 765ppm if no other greenhouse gases played a part or their effects were counteracted by pollution particles in the atmosphere.
Increased CO2 affects crop yields, plant biodiversity and ocean acidification – and the researchers warn studies can underestimate such impacts by using too narrow a range of CO2 levels.
“As well as being a major cause of global warming, CO2 also affects life directly,” said Professor Richard Betts.
Read more at University of Exeter
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