The study of climate covers a broad range of scientific endeavors. Scientists gather, analyze and report on data from disciplines such as atmospheric science, oceanography and geology to gain a more holistic view of how the different systems that define our planet’s climate interact.
For example, geological studies can help us understand historical shifts in temperature and atmospheric composition, while data from long-term weather observations allow us to track current trends. Using data from across the spectrum of climate research, scientists can also make informed predictions about future climate conditions.
In addition, climatology focuses on developing and applying mathematical models to understand our dynamic Earth system. These models rely on a combination of theory, empirical data and the use of computer simulations to represent various scales of interactions within the climate system. Because we cannot perform controlled experiments with our planet’s complex and often unpredictable weather, model simulations are an essential part of advancing knowledge about the climate system.
As our understanding of climate change has evolved, we now have a strong scientific consensus that human emissions of greenhouse gases are causing global warming and associated changes to the Earth’s environmental conditions. However, this hasn’t eliminated a number of challenges to the process of detecting and attributing climate change.
To be confident in our ability to identify and communicate the impact of anthropogenic climate change, it is critical that we continue to conduct a robust multidisciplinary climate research effort. This includes the development of quality climate data and models, as well as an investigation into the social impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.