The IPCC is not finished with its work. A Fifth Assessment Report is planned for 2013-2014. Climate models also continue to improve. Oceanographers, for example, want to incorporate massive ocean eddies in models. Other scientists want to better model rain and snow's effects on water supplies to help predict droughts and floods. And we need to learn more about what drives the giant ice sheets of the world, how much farther they are likely to melt or slide, and how that will affect sea level.

Scientists are also working on regional models that can predict the effects of climate change locally. That information could be used, for example, to decide whether to put funding toward more firefighters in the West or toward research on how open summertime waters in the Arctic will affect national security.

Scientists are working to produce better datasets from both surface observations and satellites. For example, we need to get a better handle on methane—from both ground and satellite measurements—to improve our understanding of its contribution to global warming. Ultimately, better data will help produce better model results, and many scientists are now working toward a "climate information system" that can tell us more precisely how, where, and why the climate is changing and help us decide how best to respond.

In short, the puzzle is already complete enough to know we need to take action, but climate scientists will continue working to improve the picture. These efforts will provide more pieces of the puzzle to help decision makers target adaptation and mitigation actions to preserve our future.