Is the concentration of greenhouse gases proportional to the temperate

In summary, the temperature will eventually level off because it can not go infinitely high. However, the problems for us start far earlier than at infinity.
  • #1
John Plant
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I can't seem to find an answer to this:
If the present level of greenhouse gas concentration were not to change, would the temperature of the planet continue to increase? Or would it level off?
Or is a continually increasing concentration of greenhouse gases required to keep raising the planets temperature?
It would be great if there were some credible references to look at.
Thanks
 
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  • #2
I think you are asking if the temperature varies directly proportional to the level of greenhouse gases. The answer to that is no, the situation is much more complicated than that, with feedback loops, delays, complicated interactions and constraints. There is melting ice that absorbs heat and might run out, ocean current influences, changing reflectivity of the Earth's surface as snow melts, etc. to consider. We can be sure that the temperature will eventually level off simply because it can not go infinitely high. It will eventually reach a steady-state or go into some sort of a limited cycle. But that should not be considered to be directly proportional to the amount of greenhouse gas. This may be a good place to start.
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  • #3
FactChecker said:
simply because it can not go infinitely high
Unfortunately the problems for us start far earlier than at infinity. Venus isn't off the table, especially if the due pole swap will add to worst case scenarios. That would be an equilibrium which should be avoided! And the feedback loops are nowhere near worst case as of now. Add the collapse of the gulf stream, changed jet streams already nowadays, methane release in Siberia, ongoing pollution which reduces the albedo and, and, and. I wonder how much the many underground coal fires add to CC. And it's not only Centralia. China and India have even more hidden fires. However, it's fun to watch how mankind still refuses to accept the obvious.
Buscemi in Armageddon said:
Guess what guys, it's time to embrace the horror! Look, we've got front row tickets to the end of the earth!
 
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1. Is there a direct relationship between greenhouse gas concentration and temperature?

Yes, there is a direct relationship between greenhouse gas concentration and temperature. The higher the concentration of greenhouse gases, the higher the temperature on Earth.

2. How do greenhouse gases affect the Earth's temperature?

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, causing the Earth's temperature to rise. This is known as the greenhouse effect.

3. Are human activities responsible for the increase in greenhouse gas concentration?

Yes, human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have significantly contributed to the increase in greenhouse gas concentration, leading to a rise in global temperatures.

4. Can we reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases to lower the Earth's temperature?

Yes, we can reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases by reducing our carbon footprint and implementing sustainable practices. This can help slow down the rate of global warming and mitigate its effects.

5. Is there a threshold for the concentration of greenhouse gases that would cause irreversible damage to the Earth's climate?

While there is no specific threshold, scientists agree that keeping the concentration of greenhouse gases below a certain level is crucial in avoiding catastrophic impacts on the Earth's climate. This level is often referred to as the "tipping point".

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