| |
Climate Change and Extreme Weather |
| ............................................................................................................. |
 |
|
|
|
| |
The Danger of Extremes
Many of the potential damaging consequences resulting from climate change are associated with extremes - the number of floods, heat waves, or severe storms. Since extreme weather events hold great potential for loss of life and property, it is important to understand what impact global warming may have on their occurrence. Importantly, Global warming will have varying effects on different parts of the world, and all areas will not be equally susceptible to extreme weather conditions.
Flooding and Drought
A warmer planet means a wetter planet in many areas because the amount of water vapor that can be stored in the atmosphere increases rapidly with temperature.
An increase in the frequency or intensity of floods would be catastrophic in several places around the world. Bangladesh, China and Vietnam have all experienced devastating floods killing thousands and causing billions in property damage within the past few years.
Not all parts of the planet will be affected equally by climate change. While increased precipitation is predicted for some areas, drought is predicted for others. Evaporation and precipitation occur at different places, and while wet regions could receive even more rainfall as the planet warms, drier regions may have less percipitation as evaporation is accelerated in those areas.
If we continue on the same energy usage path without curbing emissions, the "once per 100 year" type flood could occur as frequently as every decade in New York City and every 2 years in places such as Boston, and Atlantic City. (Source: Union of Concerned Scientist (UCS) - "Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Northeast.PDF".
Extreme Heat
Climate trends indicate that greater numbers of heat waves but fewer periods of extreme cold are likely consequences of a warmer atmosphere.
While most recent winters in North America and Asia have been milder than average, a number of countries have experienced record heat waves. Over 500 people died in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. in 1995 when that city's temperatures neared 100 F (38 C) for almost a week. A heat wave in May of 2002 claimed over 600 lives in India as temperatures soared to 122 F (50 C). A global rise in temperatures increases the possibility that more deadly heat waves such as these will occur (Source: Climate Institute).
The Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment's climate projections found that over the next
several decades, temperatures across the Northeast
will rise 2.5°F to 4°F in winter and 1.5°F to 3.5°F in
summer regardless of the emissions choices we make
now (due to currently existing heat-trapping emissions). By mid-century and beyond, however,
today’s emissions choices generate drastic
climate possibilities.
For example, Northeast cities from New York to Concord, New Hampshire, could swelter through 20 days a year of temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) if greenhouse gas emissions are not cut. The number could be reduced to about a quarter of that if emissions are reduced to 80% below year 2000 levels by mid-century.
|
|
| ............................................................................................................. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
The Vulnerable Northeast |
|
| A recent report by the Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment (NECIA), a two-year collaboration between the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and a team of more than 50 scientists and economists concludes that global warming will substantially change critical aspects of the Northeast's character and economy if emissions are not curbed. Northest Climate Impacts Assessment >> |
|
|
|
| ...................................................... |
|
| |
|
IPCC Special Report on Regional Impacts of Climate Change |
|
| The report consists of vulnerability assessments for 10 regions that comprise the Earth's entire land surface and adjoining coastal seas. Several Annexes provide information about climate observations and projections, vegetation distribution projections, and socioeconomic trends. See IPCC Special Report on Regional Impacts of Climate Change. >> |
|
|
|
| ...................................................... |
|
| ...................................................... |
|
|
