Global Outlook for Ice and Snow - Chapter 9

The underlying theme in the preceding chapters is that changes are now observed in ice and snow and bigger changes are projected. The greenhouse gases from past and current emissions remain in the Earth’s atmosphere for decades to centuries. Most of the extra heat on Earth caused by emissions of anthropogenic greenhouse gases is stored in the oceans. These two factors will lead to further changes in ice and snow no matter how quickly the world acts to reduce emissions.