MEVE 011: Unit 07 – Climate Variability and Extreme Weather Events

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 UNIT 7: CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS

7.1 Introduction

The Earth's climate is not static. It varies naturally over time due to both internal and external forces, but in recent decades, human-induced climate change has amplified these variations and led to an increase in extreme weather events. These events—such as droughts, floods, heatwaves, hurricanes, and wildfires—are becoming more intense, frequent, and unpredictable. Understanding climate variability and its connection to these extreme events is essential for planning, adaptation, and disaster management.

7.2 Objectives

This unit aims to:

  • Explain the relationship between climate change and extreme weather events
  • Identify different types of extreme events such as droughts, heatwaves, storms, and wildfires
  • Understand their causes, characteristics, and impacts on human and natural systems
  • Highlight the importance of preparedness and resilience in dealing with climate extremes

7.3 Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, rainfall patterns, and other climate variables. While climate always varies naturally, recent trends show a clear pattern of warming driven largely by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. This warming increases the energy in the atmosphere and oceans, which in turn leads to more frequent and more severe climate extremes.

7.4 Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events are those that go beyond the normal range of climatic conditions and often result in significant environmental and societal damage. These events can occur suddenly (like hurricanes or tornadoes) or develop over time (like droughts). Scientists observe that many of these extremes are becoming stronger due to changes in global climate systems.

7.5 Drought

A drought is a prolonged period with below-average rainfall, leading to water scarcity. Droughts affect agriculture, reduce drinking water supplies, and increase the risk of wildfires. Climate change has made droughts more persistent and severe in many regions by increasing evaporation and reducing rainfall in some areas.

7.6 Extreme Heat

Heatwaves are extended periods of excessively high temperatures, often worsened by urban conditions (Urban Heat Island effect). They can be deadly, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers. Heatwaves also stress power grids, increase the demand for water, and affect agriculture and health.

7.7 Extreme Precipitation

Heavy rainfall events are increasing globally due to warmer air holding more moisture. This leads to flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging, damaging property, crops, and infrastructure. Even areas that usually receive moderate rainfall may face sudden and intense downpours.

7.8 Tropical Cyclones/Hurricanes

These large, rotating storm systems form over warm ocean waters. As sea surface temperatures rise, tropical cyclones (also called hurricanes or typhoons depending on the region) are becoming more intense, with stronger winds and heavier rainfall. They cause widespread destruction along coastal areas due to wind damage, storm surges, and flooding.

7.9 Extratropical Storms/Tornadoes

Extratropical storms occur in the mid-latitudes and are driven by temperature differences between warm and cold air masses. Tornadoes are violent rotating columns of air that form under storm clouds. Though more localized than hurricanes, they are extremely destructive. Some regions are experiencing shifts in storm patterns due to changing jet streams and atmospheric instability.

7.10 Wildfires

Wildfires are large, uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly across forests and grasslands. Hotter temperatures, longer dry seasons, and lightning from storms contribute to increased wildfire activity. Human activities like land clearing and poor forest management also play a role. Wildfires not only destroy ecosystems but also release vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.

7.11 Let Us Sum Up

This unit explained how climate change is increasing the frequency, severity, and unpredictability of extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves, heavy rainfall, storms, and wildfires. These events have significant implications for human health, agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems. Understanding these risks and improving forecasting, preparedness, and mitigation strategies is crucial for building climate resilience in a warming world.

 

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