Kerry Cook: In Africa we have a special concern about abrupt climate change, because we know from the records of past climate that it's possible for climate to change abruptly in this region.
You are listening to atmospheric scientist Kerry Cook. Dr. Cook specializes in the study of abrupt climate change. The kind of change that might rapidly transform a landscape over decades, as opposed to centuries.
Kerry Cook: None of the climate models are indicating yet abrupt climate change for Africa, for the near future. But we don't have huge confidence in our ability of the climate models for prediction over Africa.
Cook said that's due to a combination of Africa's complicated climate system, and a lack of observational records.
Kerry Cook: You need to have observing systems in place for longer periods of time, for, say, 50, 60, 70 years. And we simply have not had that for Africa.
Cook's climate models predict that by the end of the 21st century, Africans will experience more hardship due to increased temperatures, droughts, and flooding. If these climate changes come abruptly, she worries that the continent will be left with little time to mitigate the impact.
I'm Lindsay Patterson. EarthSky is a clear voice for science. We're at http://www.hxen.com
