Since 2010, there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather worldwide. Millions of people have been affected by extreme heat, flooding, drought and hurricanes, and these storms continue to disrupt economies globally as well as our day-to-day activities. Researchers have identified several climate-related trends that are causing these changes.
1. Longer Heatwaves
According to recent trends, heat waves will become more frequent and longer; these trends suggest that the health consequences of extreme heat will also increase, as will energy demand.
2. Heavier Rainfall
As the Earth’s atmosphere warms, so does the amount of moisture (water vapor) contained within the atmosphere, resulting in increased total rainfall for a given storm event; this causes flash flooding to occur during those storms.
3. Stronger Tropical Storms
As the oceans warm, this warming also leads to an increase in the number of intense hurricanes. The warmer the ocean water, the stronger the hurricanes will become when they reach land.
4. Rising Sea Levels
The melting of glaciers due to climate change and the warming of the oceans have contributed to the increase in sea level, therefore causing coastal flooding.
5. More Frequent Droughts
Changes in climate conditions have caused regions to go for prolonged periods without experiencing any precipitation, resulting in significant damage to crops, as well as diminishing the amounts of potable water available to communities.
6. Marine Heatwaves
Climate change is causing our oceans to warm up, which is creating stress on coral reefs and fish populations as well as damaging the marine environment.
7. Increased Wildfire Risk
Warmer/drier conditions create the conditions for more significant and more destructive wildfires.
8. Urban Heat Islands
Developed areas with numerous buildings/roads tend to retain more heat than adjacent areas that are less developed.
9. Melting Ice and Glaciers
Melting glaciers and polar ice are contributing to sea level rise and changing availability of freshwater around the world.
10. More Unpredictable Seasons
Some areas have had late monsoons and early summers this year, contributing to being less predictable in farming or other planning.
Conclusion
The rise in temperature, changing precipitation patterns, and increased ocean temperatures lead to a rise in disasters associated with climate change. There is more investment by local, state, or federal government, businesses, and communities in improved forecasting, resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation to decrease the likelihood of future disasters.
FAQs
Why is extreme weather becoming very common?
Increased temperature around the world is creating increased occurrences and intensities for many weather-related events.
What does a marine heatwave mean?
A marine heatwave is when the temperature of a part of the ocean is, for an extended period, warmer than the average.
How do heatwaves impact cities?
Heatwaves increase health risks, increase electricity demand, and increase the UHI effect related to temperature.
Why has the number of floods increased?
Warmer air increases moisture content, therefore creating flooding more frequently.
