Physicists engaged in a thought experiment to investigate the timeline of climate change understanding. By utilizing nine advanced computer models, they measured the potential for scientists to have recognized the impact of increased atmospheric CO2 from fossil fuel combustion and land use starting from 1860. The experiment faced two main assumptions: the availability of technology for global temperature monitoring since 1860 and the reliability of model simulations estimating human and natural influences on climate fluctuations. This exploration underscores the significance of ongoing climate data collection.
Using simulations of historical climate change from nine state-of-the-art computer models, scientists investigated when evidence of human-caused climate change became clear. They found that the critical understanding of atmospheric CO2 levels affecting climate could have emerged much earlier than commonly acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of sustained climate monitoring.
This thought experiment examined the period from 1860 to 2024, presuming technological advancements allowed for early monitoring of global temperatures. The significant factor was determining human influence through various simulations and historical data.
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