Direct observation of Earth’s spectral long-wave feedback parameter

Abstract The spectral long-wave feedback parameter represents how Earth’s outgoing radiation adjusts to temperature changes and directly impacts climate sensitivity. Most research so far has focused on the integral of parameter. Spectrally resolving permits inferring information about vertical distribution feedbacks, thus gaining a better understanding underlying processes. However, investigations have been limited mostly model studies. Here we show that it is possible observe global mean all-sky using satellite observations seasonal interannual variability. We find bands subject strong water-vapour absorption exhibit substantial stabilizing net feedback. demonstrate part this caused by change relative humidity with warming, radiative fingerprints which can be observed. Therefore, our findings emphasize importance processes affecting present future trends in humidity. This observational constraint used evaluate representation feedbacks models constrain