AGU: Geophysical Research Letters

 

Editors' Highlight

Entering into the "greenhouse century": A case study from Switzerland

Over the past few years, record-breaking warm seasons have affected many parts of the world, calling into question whether the anomalously warm weather over a relatively short time span is further evidence of global warming. Beniston (2007) investigated such warming trends in Switzerland and compared seasonal statistics to those simulated for the end of the 21st century for a "greenhouse gas" climate. The author found that peaks of minimum and maximum temperatures observed during some of the record seasons match well with scenarios for climate simulated by regional climate models, with 25–75% agreement. The author suggests that the anomalously warm seasons can serve as a preview of conditions that may occur with greater frequency in the future. Further, using current data as a proxy for the future allows scientists to assess hazards and risk associated with climate change. With this knowledge, adaptation strategies can be developed to mitigate future changes.

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