Climate Sensitivity Calculator
Discover how feedbacks determine Earth's temperature response to greenhouse gases
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560 ppm
Pre-industrial: 280 ppm • Current: ~420 ppm • 2×CO₂: 560 ppm
1.5×
1.0× = No feedbacks • 1.5× = Current estimates • 3.0× = Strong feedbacks
Climate Response
+1.8°C
Global Temperature Change
For 2×CO₂ with current feedbacks
1.2°C
CO₂ alone
1.8°C
With feedbacks
1.5× Amplification
Feedbacks make warming 50% stronger
IPCC Climate Sensitivity Estimates
1.5 - 2.0°C
Low likelihood
2.0 - 3.0°C
Medium likelihood
3.0 - 4.0°C
High likelihood
4.0 - 5.0°C
Low likelihood
The IPCC estimates climate sensitivity between 1.5°C and 4.5°C for doubling CO₂.
Your current calculation of 1.8°C falls within the IPCC likely range. The exact value depends on how strongly different feedbacks respond to warming.
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Policy Decisions
Higher sensitivity means stronger emission cuts needed to meet temperature targets
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Risk Assessment
Understanding sensitivity helps evaluate climate change risks and impacts
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Scientific Research
Reducing uncertainty in sensitivity is a major focus of climate science