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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
06:10
Using Generative Art to Convey Past and Future Climate Transitions
Published on: March 31, 2023
Abrupt tropical climate change: past and present
Lonnie G Thompson1, Ellen Mosley-Thompson, Henry Brecher
1Byrd Polar Research Center and Departments of Geological Sciences and Geography, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. thompson.3@osu.edu
Summary
Current tropical warming and glacier retreat are unprecedented in at least 5,200 years. This abrupt climate change threatens global sea levels and freshwater supplies in populated regions.
Area of Science:
- Paleoclimatology
- Glaciology
- Climate Science
Background:
- Tropical glaciers provide critical climate records.
- Mid- to low-latitude glaciers are sensitive indicators of climate shifts.
- Holocene climate events have impacted ecosystems and civilizations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present evidence for abrupt tropical climate change, past and present.
- To assess the unprecedented nature of current warming and glacier retreat.
- To highlight the implications of climate change for sea levels and water resources.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of oxygen isotope (delta(18)O) and glacier mass-balance data.
- Radiocarbon dating of exposed wetland plants from glacial margins.
- Integration of proxy evidence for mid-Holocene climate events.
Main Results:
- Current high-elevation warming in the tropics is unprecedented in the last 2,000 years.
- Widespread glacier retreat signals an abrupt climate system change.
- An abrupt mid-Holocene climate event (~5,200 yr B.P.) transitioned the tropics to cooler conditions.
Conclusions:
- Current tropical warming and glacier retreat are unprecedented for at least 5,200 years.
- The rapid retreat of mountain glaciers contributes to sea-level rise.
- Glacier meltwater is a vital resource threatened by ongoing climate change.
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