English

Modelling Complexity: the case of Climate Science

History and Philosophy of Physics 2022-03-31 v1 Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics Classical Physics Physics and Society

Abstract

We briefly review some of the scientific challenges and epistemological issues related to climate science. We discuss the formulation and testing of theories and numerical models, which, given the presence of unavoidable uncertainties in observational data, the non-repeatability of world-experiments, and the fact that relevant processes occur in a large variety of spatial and temporal scales, require a rather different approach than in other scientific contexts. A brief discussion of the intrinsic limitations of geo-engineering solutions to global warming is presented, and a framework of investigation based upon non-equilibrium thermodynamics is proposed. We also critically discuss recently proposed perspectives of development of climate science based purely upon massive use of supercomputer and centralized planning of scientific priorities.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1106.1265,
  title  = {Modelling Complexity: the case of Climate Science},
  author = {Valerio Lucarini},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1106.1265},
  year   = {2022}
}

Comments

17 pages, 7 figs, Proceeding of the Conference "Modelling Complexity: the case of Climate Science", Hamburg, 2010

R2 v1 2026-06-21T18:18:46.449Z