Nonlinear Cointegrating Regression of the Earth’s Surface Mean Temperature Anomalies on Total Radiative Forcing

Abstract

This study proposes a nonlinear cointegrating regression model based on the well-known energy balance climate model. Specifically, I investigate the nonlinear cointegrating regression of the mean of temperature anomaly distributions on total radiative forcing using estimated spatial distributions of temperature anomalies for the Globe, Northern Hemisphere, and Southern Hemisphere. Further, I provide two types of nonlinear response functions that map the total radiative forcing level to mean temperature anomalies. The proposed statistical model provides a climatological implication that spatially heterogenous warming effects play a significant role in identifying nonlinear climate sensitivity. Cointegration and specification tests are provided that support the existence of nonlinear effects of total radiative forcing.