Climate Sensitivity Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the climate sensitivity calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Equilibrium Temperature Change
temp_change = radiative_forcing * sensitivity_paramTemperature Change (Fahrenheit)
temp_change_f = radiative_forcing * sensitivity_param * 1.8Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
radiative_forcing | Radiative Forcing(W/m²) | 3.7 |
sensitivity_param | Climate Sensitivity Parameter(°C per W/m²) | 0.8 |
How It Works
Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity
Climate sensitivity tells us how much the global average temperature will eventually rise for a given radiative forcing.
Formula
Delta T = Delta F x lambda
Where Delta F is radiative forcing (W/m²) and lambda is the climate sensitivity parameter (°C per W/m²). The IPCC best estimate for doubling CO2 (3.7 W/m²) is about 3°C, giving lambda around 0.8.
Worked Example
A doubling of CO2 produces 3.7 W/m² of forcing with a sensitivity of 0.8 °C per W/m².
radiative_forcing = 3.7sensitivity_param = 0.8
- 01Temperature change = 3.7 x 0.8 = 2.96 °C
- 02In Fahrenheit: 2.96 x 1.8 = 5.33 °F
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Climate Sensitivity Calculator