Human carbon-cycle feedbacks to global warming may offset natural feedbacks

In Earth System Model simulations over the 21st century, rising temperatures reduce the amount of carbon taken up by the land and ocean, amplifying warming in a positive feedback loop. Climate effects on the economy also generate carbon feedbacks, but their magnitude and strength relative to natural feedbacks have not been investigated. I will show how climate change can impact the economy, reducing fossil fuel emissions and lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature. We found that this negative economic feedback could substantially offset positive natural feedbacks; however, economic losses may disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and make climate mitigation more difficult.