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1800s - Early Climate Observations
In the 19th century, early climate observations relied on rudimentary instruments like thermometers and barometers. These observations were foundational for understanding temperature and atmospheric pressure variations, though they lacked the sophistication of modern instruments. (to be continued in the next box as the space for each box is limited) -
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1800s - Early Climate Observations (continuation)
Continuation
These early observations are important for the time period as they marked the inception of systematic climate data collection, providing essential groundwork for future climate research. According to Brönnimann et al. (2018), “the greatest number of works was published using instrumental data (air temperature, atmospheric precipitation and atmospheric pressure) available for Gdańsk for the eighteenth century.” -
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Late 19th Century - Systematic Weather Data Collection
The late 1800s saw the establishment of systematic weather observation networks. These networks used instruments like barometers, anemometers, and rain gauges to collect data on temperature, wind, and precipitation. For the late 19th century, these systematic weather networks were vital as they allowed for the first time the consistent collection of weather data across regions. This data formed the basis for understanding local and regional climate patterns. -
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Early 20th Century - CO2 Measurements Begin
Charles David Keeling initiated atmospheric CO2 measurements in the early 1900s using precise instrumentation. His work resulted in the Keeling Curve, which showed a consistent increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The early 20th-century CO2 measurements were significant because they provided crucial evidence of human-induced climate change. This rise in CO2 due to fossil fuel combustion and deforestation has been a key driver of global warming. -
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1950s - Dawn of Satellite Observations
The launch of the first weather satellite, TIROS-1, in 1960 marked a turning point in climate monitoring. Satellites provided a global perspective and collected data on temperature, sea level, and sea ice. The 1950s and 1960s were significant as they marked the beginning of a new era in climate observation. Satellite data became crucial for tracking global climate trends and phenomena. -
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1980s - IPCC Formation
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by the United Nations, bringing together scientists to assess climate science. The 1980s were a crucial time for climate science because the formation of the IPCC marked the start of comprehensive international collaboration. This collaboration led to authoritative assessments of climate change science, informing policy discussions and actions. -
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1990s - Landmark Climate Datasets
The 1990s saw the development of critical climate datasets like NASA GISTEMP and NOAA's Global and National Time Series. These datasets provided detailed temperature records. The 1990s were significant as they introduced reliable and detailed climate datasets, enabling scientists to study climate change with unprecedented precision and credibility. -
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2000s - Breakthroughs in Climate Modeling
In the 2000s, climate modeling underwent significant advancements, including improved resolution, better representation of Earth system components, and greater accuracy in simulations. The 2000s were a pivotal time because these advancements allowed scientists to make more accurate predictions of climate change impacts at both global and regional scales. These models played a vital role in guiding policy and adaptation strategies as greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise. -
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From 2010s till now - Increased Focus on Climate Adaptation
The 2010s marked a shift towards climate adaptation as the impacts of climate change became more apparent. This decade saw an increased emphasis on resilience planning, renewable energy adoption, and international agreements like the Paris Agreement. The 2010s reflected a growing recognition of the need to adapt to the changing climate. The Paris Agreement, in particular, emphasized mitigating climate change's effects and transition to a sustainable future.