Latent heat must be visible in climate communications

Anthropogenic forcing is driving energy accumulation in the Earth system, including increases sensible heat content of atmosphere, as measured by dry-bulb temperature—the metric that almost universally used for communications about climate change. The atmosphere also moistening, though, representing an latent heat, which partly concealed temperature trends. We highlight that, consistent with basic theory, gains are outpacing over half Earth's surface. difference largest tropics, where global “hotspots” total located, and regional disparities heating rates very poorly represented temperatures. Including climate-change metrics captures this therefore improves adaptation-relevant understanding extreme humid precipitation hazards threaten these latitudes so acutely. For example, irrigation can lower peak temperatures, but amplify a larger margin, intensifying dangerous stress. Based on review research literature, our Perspective calls routine use equivalent temperature, measure expresses combined familiar units °C or K. recognize air must remain key indicator atmospheric state, not least many sectors sensitive to transfer. However, we assert here more widespread could improve process understanding, public messaging, adaptation This article categorized under: Assessing Impacts Climate Change > Observed Paleoclimates Current Trends System Behavior