Key Takeaways
Essential insights from Climate Modeling
Module Progress
Section 5 of 5Module Complete!
What You've Learned
Models Are Essential Tools
Climate models are our best tool for understanding Earth's climate system and projecting future changes based on different emission pathways.
Based on Fundamental Physics
Models solve equations for energy, momentum, and mass conservation, representing atmosphere, ocean, land, and ice processes with proven physics.
Multiple Futures Are Possible
SSP scenarios (1.8-4.4°C by 2100) show our choices matter. Aggressive mitigation limits warming; business-as-usual leads to dangerous change.
Regional Impacts Vary
Arctic warms 2-3× faster than global average. Different regions face unique challenges from heat, drought, flooding, and ice loss.
Validated Through Testing
Models successfully reproduce past climate, capture observed trends, and show ensemble agreement on key projections, building confidence.
Resolution Affects Detail
Higher spatial resolution (25-100 km) captures regional features better. Higher temporal resolution (30-min time steps) improves accuracy.
Uncertainty Is Quantified
Model ensembles and sensitivity tests provide uncertainty ranges. Some processes (clouds, ice sheets) have larger uncertainties.
Projections Guide Action
Model outputs inform climate policy, adaptation planning, and risk assessment globally. They show both the urgency and possibility of action.
What's Next?
You now understand how climate models work, how they're validated, and what they tell us about future climate. Continue your climate tech journey by exploring historical climate patterns and paleoclimate evidence.
Continue to Historical Climate Change→