Lead researcher Benjamin Santer explained that the recorded changes in the layers of the atmosphere represent significant evidence of the human role in warming. While temperatures are rising in the lower layers of the atmosphere, the upper stratosphere is cooling, a pattern consistent with the effect of increased concentrations of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, rather than increased solar activity alone.
Climate scientists Syukuro Manabe and Richard Wetherald had predicted this pattern in 1967, based on climate models. Modern measurements collected by atmospheric sensors and satellites have allowed for the verification of this prediction and enhanced scientists' understanding of climate fingerprints resulting from human activities.
Since 2009, scientists have also observed additional evidence of human impact on ocean salinity, rainfall distribution, and snow cover, alongside temperature changes.
The researchers pointed out that the temporary slowdown in temperature rise during the turn of the millennium was not evidence of a halt in global warming, but was linked to short-term natural fluctuations. Conversely, several climate databases recorded their ten hottest years during the period following 2009.
These findings reinforce the scientific conclusion that human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, are the primary driver behind current global warming, making addressing the impacts of climate change an increasingly urgent necessity.
