Earth Sciences

2023 Temperatures Reflect Steady Global Warming and Internal Sea Surface Temperature Variability

B. H. Samset, M. T. Lund, et al.

In 2023, temperatures soared to unprecedented levels, raising questions about accelerating warming and aerosol cooling. Research conducted by Bjørn H. Samset, Marianne T. Lund, Jan S. Fuglestvedt, and Laura J. Wilcox reveals that these extreme temperatures are closely tied to sea surface temperature influences and internal variability, highlighting the complex interplay between natural variability and human-induced climate change.

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Playback language: English

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Abstract

2023 was the warmest year on record, prompting speculation about accelerated warming or stronger-than-expected impacts from aerosol cooling loss. This study uses a Green's function-based method to quantify sea surface temperature (SST) patterns' influence on the 2023 global temperature anomaly. Results show the strong deviation from recent warming trends is consistent with observed SST influences and regional forcing, indicating that internal variability significantly contributed to the exceptional 2023 temperatures, alongside steady anthropogenic global warming.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Aug 27, 2024

Authors

Bjørn H. Samset, Marianne T. Lund, Jan S. Fuglestvedt, Laura J. Wilcox

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