Uncertainty in near-term temperature evolution must not obscure assessments of climate mitigation benefits

This study builds on work by Samset et al., who reported that the effects of emission mitigation will only be perceived through global temperature with a multi-decadal delay. This paper provides additional context and expresses concerns with the approach towards assessing a discernible warming response under different greenhouse gas concentration pathways. A broader debate on how to best assess and communicate emerging effects of climate mitigation in the light of natural variability seems warranted.