Since just before the start of the 21st century, the Earth's average global surface temperature has failed to rise despite soaring levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and years of dire warnings from environmental advocates.
Now, as scientists with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change gather in Sweden this week to approve portions of the IPCC's fifth assessment report, they are finding themselves pressured to explain this glaring discrepancy.
Though scientists don't have any firm answers, they do have multiple theories.
IPCC panelist Shang-Ping Xie has argued that the hiatus is the result of heat absorption by the Pacific Ocean.
The theory remains unproved by actual observation.
Scientists have also offered other explanations for the hiatus: lack of sunspot activity, low concentrations of atmospheric water vapor and other marine-related effects. These too remain theories.
Now the IPCC finds itself in a position that a science group never wants to be in. It's in spin management mode.
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-climate-change-uncertainty-20130923,0,791164.story
Now, as scientists with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change gather in Sweden this week to approve portions of the IPCC's fifth assessment report, they are finding themselves pressured to explain this glaring discrepancy.
Though scientists don't have any firm answers, they do have multiple theories.
IPCC panelist Shang-Ping Xie has argued that the hiatus is the result of heat absorption by the Pacific Ocean.
The theory remains unproved by actual observation.
Scientists have also offered other explanations for the hiatus: lack of sunspot activity, low concentrations of atmospheric water vapor and other marine-related effects. These too remain theories.
Now the IPCC finds itself in a position that a science group never wants to be in. It's in spin management mode.
http://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-climate-change-uncertainty-20130923,0,791164.story