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Climate ‘feedback loops’ could worsen global warming by 30%, study finds

Climate ‘feedback loops’ could worsen global warming by 30%, study finds

Summary

A new study finds that natural sources like thawing permafrost, wildfires, and warming wetlands are releasing methane and carbon dioxide, adding to human-caused climate change. These natural emissions could increase global warming by 20%-30% by the end of the century, which is currently not fully accounted for in climate models.

Key Facts

  • Rising global temperatures are causing forests, wetlands, and tundra to emit more greenhouse gases.
  • Permafrost thaw, wildfires, and warmer lakes release methane and carbon dioxide trapped in nature.
  • These emissions act as “feedback loops” that make global warming worse beyond human emissions.
  • The study estimates that natural emissions will increase global heating by 0.2°C to 0.4°C by 2100.
  • Current climate models and policies often ignore these additional natural emissions.
  • The predicted increase will make it harder to meet global climate goals like limiting warming to 1.5°C.
  • Researchers urge that climate plans include these natural feedbacks to better predict and reduce warming.
  • The risk exists of passing “tipping points” that could cause uncontrollable climate changes if global heating continues.
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