How do climate models predict future warming?
Quick Answer
Climate models use physics-based calculations of the atmosphere, oceans, ice and land to simulate how Earth may respond to greenhouse gases.
The Full Story
Climate models divide the planet into a three-dimensional grid and calculate how energy, moisture, winds and ocean circulation move through the system. They are not weather forecasts for a single day; instead, they test long-term trends under different emissions scenarios. Modern models have become much more detailed and are used by groups such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Their projections help estimate future temperature, rainfall, sea level rise and extreme weather risk.
Key Facts
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