A recent analysis by Carbon Brief reveals that human-induced climate change has significantly increased the likelihood and severity of extreme weather events, with approximately 74% of studied instances showing a clear correlation. This interactive map, updated to include over 750 events through more than 600 studies, highlights the growing importance of extreme event attribution in understanding climate change effects globally, particularly in the global north regions, while striving to improve representation in developing areas.
In 2004, researchers made a groundbreaking advancement in climate science by quantifying how human-caused climate change contributed to extreme weather, beginning with the devastating European heatwave of 2003. This seminal study initiated the discipline of “extreme event attribution,” which determines the extent to which climate change has altered the frequency, intensity, or impact of various extreme weather events. Over the years, the field has expanded significantly, with Carbon Brief now maintaining an interactive map that encompasses over 600 studies and 750 extreme weather events, demonstrating that approximately 74% of these events were exacerbated by climate change. Remarkably, some extreme occurrences were deemed virtually impossible without human influence on global temperatures. The updated map illustrates a comprehensive analysis, categorizing events into groups such as heatwaves, storms, and flooding. This latest iteration has cataloged various extreme weather events globally, revealing a marked geographical disparity in studies conducted, with a pronounced focus on regions in the global north, particularly Europe and North America. Nonetheless, this compilation continues to shed light on the increasing capabilities of attribution science, which now includes rapid studies that assess climate change’s impact shortly after extreme weather incidents. While the majority of the research emphasizes the escalation of heat-related extremes, there are exceptions. Not all events were influenced negatively by climate change; in some situations, anthropogenic effects reduced the likelihood of severe weather occurrences. As the scientific community endeavors to address disparities in data collection, attention is increasingly turning toward regions that have been historically overlooked in attribution studies, such as parts of Africa and Asia. This shift is pivotal for enhancing the understanding of climate change’s role in extreme weather across all continents, particularly in areas susceptible to its severe impacts.
The study of extreme weather attribution emerged in response to increasing occurrences of severe weather events, fueled by concerns over climate change. The seminal research initiated in 2004 demonstrated a clear connection between human activity and the intensification of extreme weather, a finding that has since motivated additional investigations into this correlation. Carbon Brief’s continuously updated database serves as a resource that not only tracks the evolving landscape of extreme weather attribution studies but also underscores the growing urgency of addressing global climate change. As research methodologies evolve, a wider array of geographic locations and types of extreme weather events are being analyzed, enabling a more nuanced understanding of climate change’s multifaceted impacts.
The exploration of extreme event attribution underscores a crucial aspect of climate science: the undeniable influence of anthropogenic activities on extreme weather events. With over 74% of studied events linked to climate change, the evidence is compelling. The ongoing work by institutions like Carbon Brief to document these studies helps unveil patterns and trends, while also drawing attention to areas lacking sufficient research. As methodologies improve and expand globally, the credibility and understanding of climate change’s impact on extreme weather will continue to develop, necessitating a concerted effort to incorporate data from underrepresented regions.
Original Source: www.carbonbrief.org
