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What is a climate feedback?

Quick Answer

A climate feedback is a process that either amplifies or reduces an initial change in climate. Water vapor, ice, and clouds are major examples.

The Full Story

Feedbacks are crucial in climate science because small changes can lead to larger responses. A positive feedback amplifies warming or cooling, such as when melting ice reduces reflectivity and allows more heat absorption. A negative feedback counteracts change, helping stabilize the system. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has identified water vapor feedback and ice-albedo feedback as especially important in understanding modern warming.

Key Facts

1.Feedbacks can amplify or reduce change
2.Ice-albedo feedback is a well-known positive feedback
3.Water vapor is a major climate feedback

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The climate’s built-in amplifier — or brake."

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