A positive feedback loop in the climate-change context, is any natural phenomenon which if triggered by rising temperatures would itself reinforce global warming. Some positive feedback loops are already occurring.

Forest Fires

The increased incidence of forest fires associated with warmer temperatures further removes the natural capacity of the earth system to absorb CO₂ as well as releasing the already stored CO₂ in the tree mass.

Storms & Hurricanes

Wind damage to trees also cause further global warming for the reasons described above. Rebuilding of human settlements requires raw materials and energy both of which leave a carbon footprint.

Warming Of The Seas

As the seas warm they release more CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Release Of Methane Hydrate

Methane Hydrate stored under great pressure in semisolid form beneath the Tundra will be released as a gas as the tundra melts. Methane Hydrate is 8x more potent a greenhouse gas than CO₂ and the quantities involved run into billions to tonnes.