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An imperative to monitor Earth's energy imbalance

Author

Listed:
  • K. von Schuckmann

    (Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Université de Toulon, Aix-Marseille Université
    Mercator Océan)

  • M. D. Palmer

    (Met Office Hadley Centre)

  • K. E. Trenberth

    (National Center for Atmospheric Research)

  • A. Cazenave

    (Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales/Centre national d'études spatiales
    International Space Science Institute)

  • D. Chambers

    (University of South Florida, College of Marine Science)

  • N. Champollion

    (International Space Science Institute)

  • J. Hansen

    (Earth Institute, Columbia University)

  • S. A. Josey

    (National Oceanography Centre)

  • N. Loeb

    (NASA Langley Research Center)

  • P.-P. Mathieu

    (European Space Agency)

  • B. Meyssignac

    (Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales/Centre national d'études spatiales)

  • M. Wild

    (ETH)

Abstract

The current Earth's energy imbalance (EEI) is mostly caused by human activity, and is driving global warming. The absolute value of EEI represents the most fundamental metric defining the status of global climate change, and will be more useful than using global surface temperature. EEI can best be estimated from changes in ocean heat content, complemented by radiation measurements from space. Sustained observations from the Argo array of autonomous profiling floats and further development of the ocean observing system to sample the deep ocean, marginal seas and sea ice regions are crucial to refining future estimates of EEI. Combining multiple measurements in an optimal way holds considerable promise for estimating EEI and thus assessing the status of global climate change, improving climate syntheses and models, and testing the effectiveness of mitigation actions. Progress can be achieved with a concerted international effort.

Suggested Citation

  • K. von Schuckmann & M. D. Palmer & K. E. Trenberth & A. Cazenave & D. Chambers & N. Champollion & J. Hansen & S. A. Josey & N. Loeb & P.-P. Mathieu & B. Meyssignac & M. Wild, 2016. "An imperative to monitor Earth's energy imbalance," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 6(2), pages 138-144, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:6:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1038_nclimate2876
    DOI: 10.1038/nclimate2876
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