Dear Authors:

I am now in receipt of three reviews (and one more short comment) of your manuscript. On the basis of these reviews and my own evaluation, it appears that the manuscript must undergo Major Revision before it can be considered for publication in the Earth System Dynamics.

The authors should undertake major revisions, including responses to all reviewer comments. Along with your revision, please upload a point-by-point response that satisfactorily addresses the concerns and suggestions of each reviewer. Should you disagree with any of the proposed revisions, you will have the opportunity to explain your rationale in your response. We will seek a re-review of the revised manuscript.

Dear Dr. Annan,

Thank you for your revised manuscript "On the meaning of independence in climate science." The revision has successfully addressed concerns and comments raised by the referees. I am pleased to accept it for publication in the Earth System Dynamics. Congratulations!

Thank you once again for considering the Earth System Dynamics for the publication of your paper.

Regards,
Fubao Sun