Future changes will depend on many factors
The magnitude and rate of future climate change will primarily depend on the following factors:
The rate at which levels of greenhouse gas concentrations in our atmosphere continue to increase
How strongly features of the climate (e.g., temperature, precipitation, and sea level) respond to the expected increase in greenhouse gas concentrations
Natural influences on climate (e.g., from volcanic activity and changes in the sun's intensity) and natural processes within the climate system (e.g., changes in ocean circulation patterns)
Scientists use computer models of the climate system to better understand these issues and project future climate changes.