Scientists seeking to quantify how much various factors contribute to ice sheet albedo face numerous challenges. (eos.org)
In their latest Science paper submittal Jim Hansen, et al. argue that we must reduce atmospheric CO2 to below 350 ppm because so - called «slow feedbacks» such as changes in ice sheet albedo are occurring much faster than expected. (dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com)
What is being talked about here is influence of the seasonal radiative forcing change from the earth's wobble around the sun (the well established Milankovitch theory of ice ages), combined with the positive feedback of ice sheet albedo (less ice = less reflection of sunlight = warmer temperatures) and greenhouse gas concentrations (higher temperatures lead to more CO2 leads to warmer temperatures). (realclimate.org)