Asymmetric response of European near-surface wind speed to CO₂ removal

Abstract. Understanding the changes in near-surface wind speed (NSWS) is crucial for weather extremes and wind energy management. This study examines the response of NSWS to atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal using large ensemble simulations and the Carbon Dioxide Removal Model Intercomparison Project models. Our results indicate that increasing CO₂ levels lead to an overall reduction in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) extratropical NSWS over land. Subsequent CO₂ reduction during the early ramp-down period rapidly restores NH NSWS. However, this recovery stalls and enters a declining trend during the late ramp-down period, mainly due to opposite negative NSWS trends in Europe. Notably, the rapid recovery of simultaneous Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) counteracts the recovery of North Atlantic air meridional temperature gradient and the westerly jet by global cooling, therefore prolonging NH mid-latitudes NSWS weakening. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of AMOC in modulating NSWS under varying CO₂ concentrations and provides insights for future climate adaptation.