The Arctic through the lens of data visualization

26 February 2025…
Rider University, Global Biogeochemistry Class Visit (Presentation): Arctic climate change through the lens of data visualization, NOAA GFDL, Princeton, USA.

1. Arctic climate change
through the lens of
data visualization
Zachary Labe
Research Physical Scientist
NOAA/OAR GFDL
26 February 2025
Rider University Visit
NOAA GFDL
@zacklabe.com

4. Now
Start of
satellite-era

5. The Arctic.

6. The Arctic.

9. Satellite-eraUncertainties!

11. [
Goosse

et al.
2018
]

12. Observing ice.

13. Ice-coveredNo Ice

14. Carbon Brief; Tom Prater,
2020

17. Understanding the
Arctic system.

18. •Describes the current state of
different components of the Arctic
system relative to historical
records
•Issued annually since 2006
•97 scientists from 11 countries
•Aimed for a broad audience
•Observations inform GFDL
modeling development and
needs

21. Looking ahead.

22. Observed Arctic
temperatures from
1950 to 2021
Climate Model
–

GFDL SPEAR (30 ensemble members); Delworth et al. 2020

23. Simulated historical
Arctic temperatures
from 1930 to 2014
using a climate model
Climate Model
–

GFDL SPEAR (30 ensemble members); Delworth et al. 2020

24. Simulated Arctic temperatures
from 1930 to 2100 using a
climate model WITHOUT human-
caused climate change
Climate Model
–

GFDL SPEAR (30 ensemble members); Delworth et al. 2020

25. What influences of climate
change do you see on
temperatures in the Arctic?
Climate Model
–

GFDL SPEAR (30 ensemble members); Delworth et al. 2020

26. Projected future Arctic
temperatures from
2015 to 2100 using a
climate model with
increases in fossil fuel
development
Climate Model
–

GFDL SPEAR (30 ensemble members); Delworth et al. 2020

27. Projected future Arctic
temperatures from 2015 to
2100 using a climate model
with moderate progress in
mitigation and other
sustainability goals
Climate Model
–

GFDL SPEAR (30 ensemble members); Delworth et al. 2020

28. Projected future Arctic
temperatures from 2015 to
2100 using a climate model
with a rapid reduction in
current emissions globally
Climate Model
–

GFDL SPEAR (30 ensemble members); Delworth et al. 2020

29. It’s not
too late!
Climate Model
–

GFDL SPEAR (30 ensemble members); Delworth et al. 2020

31. Modeling vs. Field Work

32. R/V Lance – Greenland Sea – May 2017

36. Crystal Polar Cruise, Aug. 2016
We need scientists.
We need educators.
We need innovators.
We need communicators.

37. DATA VISUALIZATION
IS STORY-TELLING.
Arctic temperature anomalies from 1950 to 2024

39. PLOT BY ED HAWKINS

40. 2016 RIO OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY

41. PLOT BY ED HAWKINS

42. DON’T BE
SUCH A
SCIENTIST
WE ARE
DATA
SCIENTISTS
ART BY JILL PELTO

43. Landscape of Changeuses data
about sea level rise, glacier volume
decline, increasing global
temperatures, and the increasing use
of fossil fuels. These data lines
compose a landscape shaped by
the changing climate, a world in
which we are now living.
Jill Pelto|http://www.jillpelto.com/landscape-of-change
“
”

44. THIS IS AN
OPPORTUNITY
TO COMMUNICATE

45. [International Arctic Research Center [IARC; University of Alaska, Fairbanks]
Start a conversation!

46. TAKEAWAYS
Climate change impacts have already emerged in the Arctic.
Improvements to observations and models will reduce uncertainty
GFDL aims to develop modeling capabilities to improve prediction,
projection, and understanding of Arctic system change
Zachary Labe
[email protected]
@zacklabe.com
https://zacklabe.com/