Response

We disagree with Solomon et al. that our Policy Forum was misleading. We correctly noted that model-based numerical ranges for 21st-century sea-level rise presented in the WGI SPM (Table SPM-3) did not account for the uncertainty resulting from potential increases in the rapid dynamical response of ice sheets. Solomon et al. challenge this assertion by pointing instead to qualitative statements in the SPM, implying that the latter provide a satisfactory accounting of uncertainty. But the distinction between numerical values highlighted in a prominent table and narrative qualifications of such numbers is critically important. Numbers are powerful, grabbing the readers' attention, whereas qualifications are often ignored. For example, the tabular values, indicating a maximum sea-level rise of 59 cm during the 21st century, are cited frequently in the public discussion absent any qualification....

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