Observed and projected changes in global climate zones based on Köppen climate classification

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing body of literature applying the Köppen classification scheme to investigate the changes in the distribution of bioclimatic conditions. Area changes and latitude and elevation shifts of Köppen climate zones have been examined based on the observed and projected datasets. This review article provides a comprehensive insight into the changes in global Köppen climate zones. First, we summarize the advancements and limitations of different climate zone definitions and assess the available climate classification map products. We then review recent detection and assessment studies on observed and projected climate zone changes. Finally, we summarize the findings of the previous studies. It has been proven that changes in climate zones under global warming can have far-reaching impacts on ecological systems. Since the 1980s, anthropogenic accelerated global warming has already led to shifts in climatic conditions over a large land area. Hot tropics and arid climates are projected to expand into large areas of middle and high latitudes, an expansion that is potentially linked to the intensification of the global hydrologic cycle. Driven by increased warming in the Arctic, high-latitude climates will shift poleward and upward, leading to a significant area shrinkage of the polar climate zones. However, due to the large model uncertainties, the detectability of significant climate zone changes through observations and projections, the rate and time of the changes, and their causes remain unclear. In this paper, we identify the research gaps and propose directions for future research. This article is categorized under: Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Modern Climate Change.