Climate Feedback Mechanisms

CO₂ forcing ΔF (W/m²) 3.7

Cloud feedback (W/m²/K) -0.40

Ice-albedo feedback (W/m²/K) 0.30

Physics: Climate sensitivity ΔT = ΔF / λ_net where λ_net = Σλᵢ (sum of feedback parameters). Planck response λ_P = -3.2 W/m²/K (stabilizing). Water vapor feedback λ_WV ≈ +1.8 W/m²/K (amplifying — Clausius-Clapeyron: +7%/K). Ice-albedo λ_IA ≈ +0.3 W/m²/K. Lapse rate λ_LR ≈ -0.6 W/m²/K (tropical cooling with height). Cloud λ_C: most uncertain, ranges -1.5 to +0.5 W/m²/K. ECS (equilibrium climate sensitivity) best estimate: 3°C per CO₂ doubling.