Climate as a complex dynamical system

Abstract

Climate is a complex dynamical system, whose understanding is a fascinating scientific challenge which has crucial implications on our society. Like any science, the study of climate is based on data, measurements and experiments, and requires the development of analysis and modeling tools to build a coherent view of climate and its variability. In such a framework, the role of Mathematics and of mathematical developments is essential. In the present contribution, I discuss the hierarchy of climate models, mentioning both the progress of the last thirty years, the role of mathematical approaches, and the many open questions which still need to be clarified. The need for a coherent theory of climate is advocated, as a world-wide effort to understand this fascinating manifestation of Planet Earth.