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Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) have identified a major loss in the Earth's planetary albedo as a potential reason of the dramatic spike in global temperatures in 2023. This trend, which is linked to a reduction in low-altitude clouds, has been recognized as a major contributor to the global mean temperature increase of approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrial levels—a record-breaking amount. Dr. Helge Goessling, climate modeller at AWI and principal author of the study, stated that this phenomena has produced a "explanation gap" of 0.2 degree Celsius in the reported temperature rise, which existing causes such as greenhouse gasses, El Niño, and volcanic activity do not answer.
Low Cloud Decline and Reflectivity Loss
The findings were reported in Science. The study identified a significant loss in low-altitude cloud cover, notably in the northern mid-latitudes and tropics, as the principal cause of decreased planetary albedo. Dr. Thomas Rackow, a co-author of the study, stated in a statement that 2023 witnessed the lowest levels of planetary albedo since at least 1940, according to NASA and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Albedo is a measure of the Earth's reflectivity; less sunlight is reflected back into space, which contributes to additional warming.
Implications for the findings
The fall in low-altitude clouds, which provide cooling by reflecting sunlight, contrasts with higher clouds, which store heat and exacerbate the warming impact. Stricter maritime fuel regulations, lower aerosol concentrations that contribute in cloud formation, and oceanic shifts have all been suggested as significant reasons. However, Dr. Goessling has indicated that feedback loops between global warming and low cloud decrease might have a substantial impact.
The findings highlight the importance of modifying global carbon budgets and adopting adaptation measures, since warming over the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold established in the Paris Agreement may occur sooner than expected, according to reports. Climate researchers continue to emphasize the essential necessity for quick action to solve these interconnected issues.
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