Introduction to Climate Feedbacks
Explore how feedback loops amplify or dampen climate change and determine Earth's climate sensitivity
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0 / 5 completedWhat are Climate Feedbacks?
Climate feedbacks are processes that amplify or reduce the effects of climate change. When Earth warms, these feedback loops can either make warming worse (positive feedback) or help stabilize the climate (negative feedback). Understanding feedbacks is crucial because they determine how sensitive the climate system is to changes.
Why Feedbacks Matter for Climate Change
Amplification Effect
Small initial warming can trigger feedbacks that cause much larger temperature changes
Climate Sensitivity
Feedbacks determine how much Earth will warm for a given amount of greenhouse gases
Tipping Points
Strong positive feedbacks can lead to abrupt, irreversible climate changes
Stabilizing Forces
Some feedbacks help dampen climate change and provide natural stabilization
🎮Feedback Amplification Simulator
💡 Try this: Start with 1°C warming and increase feedback strength to see how feedbacks can amplify climate change. Notice how even moderate feedback strength (50-100%) can double the final warming!