Electronic Resource
Oxford, UK
:
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Plant, cell & environment
8 (1985), S. 0
ISSN:
1365-3040
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Two factors will determine the rate at which CO2 levels in the atmosphere increase in the future: the rate of input to the atmosphere, primarily from fossil fuel burning, and the way in which this CO2 is partitioned between atmosphere, ocean and biosphere. A brief review is given of the current state of knowledge of these aspects of the CO2 issue prior to a discussion of the changes in climate that might be expected from increased levels of CO2, whenever these might occur. The basis of climate modelling upon which our expectations rest is explained, indicating the nature of the uncertainty that currently exists in the model results. While some of the gross features of the likely climatic change seem reasonably well established qualitatively, considerable model development will be needed before reliable information on the likely regional effects is forthcoming. Observations have yet to confirm the occurrence of temperature change attributable to CO2 increases. Nevertheless, the possibility exists of a change in climate during the coming century that may be substantial relative to past experience. Although direct measures to control CO2 emissions would certainly be premature, long-term planning of infrastructures, closely tuned to present climatic conditions, should ensure their robustness in the face of the uncertain climatic changes that may lie ahead.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3040.1985.tb01672.x
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