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Carbon dioxide Quote by Bill McKibben

“Calculations by Plass (1956) indicate that a ten percent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide would increase the average temperature by 0.36 degrees Celsius. But, amplifying or feed-back processes may exist such that a slight change in the character of the back radiation might have a more…” quote by Bill McKibben
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““Calculations by Plass (1956) indicate that a ten percent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide would increase the average temperature by 0.36 degrees Celsius. But, amplifying or feed-back processes may exist such that a slight change in the character of the back radiation might have a more pronounced effect.””

Bill McKibben

About This Quote

Source Paper: The Climate Crisis, Bill McKibben, 2005

Small increases in CO₂ can cause larger temperature changes due to feedback loops in the climate system.

In simple terms: CO₂ rise may trigger bigger warming via feedbacks.

Key Takeaway

Consider indirect effects of emissions.

Themes

climate science feedback loops temperature environmental policy

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

scientific policy-oriented

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • public education
  • risk assessment
  • carbon budgeting

Key Concepts

radiative forcing climate sensitivity nonlinear dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How might feedback mechanisms amplify warming?
  • What policies address uncertainty in climate projections?
A Different Perspective

Feedbacks are complex and uncertain, making precise predictions difficult.

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