Current Global Climate Projections

Climate projections suggest that global temperatures are expected to continue to rise, with the magnitude depending on future greenhouse gas emissions and the SSP scenarios. The IPCC projects that global average temperatures could increase by 1.5°C to 4.4°C by the end of the century, compared to pre-industrial levels. Temperature maps are clear that that the land is warming more than the oceans and the Arctic and Antarctic regions are warming more than the tropics. Changes in precipitation patterns are expected to occur, with some regions experiencing more frequent and intense droughts, while other places experience more frequent and intense rainfall. Sea levels are expected to continue to rise with IPCC projections that sea levels could rise by 0.28m to 1.88m by the end of the century. 

UKCP projects that average temperatures in the UK will increase throughout the 21st century, with the magnitude of warming depending on future greenhouse gas emissions. In the high emission scenario, the temperature increases by between 1.3°C to 5.1°C in summer, and 0.6°C to 3.8°C in winter by 2070. Winter rainfall is likely to increase, while summer rainfall is likely to decrease, particularly in southern and eastern England.

Climate attribution refers to the process of determining the extent to which human activities (such as the emission of greenhouse gases) have contributed to observed changes in the climate and specific extreme weather events. By understanding the extent to which human activities have contributed to observed changes in the climate, we can better evaluate the costs and benefits of various mitigation and adaptation options, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or investing in climate resilience measures. 

Climate tipping points are critical thresholds in the Earth's climate system that, once crossed, could lead to rapid and irreversible changes in the global climate. The tipping points arise from complex feedback loops and interactions between different components of the Earth's climate system. Some examples of potential climate tipping points include:

1. The melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets

2. The collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) 

3. Release of methane from thawing permafrost