Climate Feedback Loops

Climate feedback loops are processes that either amplify or diminish the effects of climate change. For example, as global temperatures rise, ice sheets melt, reducing reflective surfaces and causing more heat absorption—this is a positive feedback loop that accelerates warming. Conversely, increased cloud cover from warming can reflect sunlight, potentially cooling the Earth—a negative feedback loop. These loops are self-reinforcing cycles that can quickly change climate patterns, making understanding them crucial for predicting future climate scenarios.