Climate change, caused primarily by increased emissions of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), is leading to an increase in the Earth's average temperature. This increase in temperature has a significant impact on the global climate system and is manifested in an increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

⚡ How climate change affects extreme weather:

1. 🌡️ Increasing atmospheric and ocean temperatures

• A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture. According to the Clausius-Clapeyron relationship, for every 1°C increase in temperature, the atmosphere's capacity to hold water vapor increases by approximately 7 %. This leads to more intense precipitation and an increased risk of flooding.
• Warming oceans add energy to tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons), which can increase their intensity, wind speed, and rainfall.

2. ☔ Changes in precipitation patterns

• Some areas are experiencing heavier and more frequent torrential rains, while others are facing prolonged droughts. This is affecting agriculture, water supplies and increasing the risk of fires.

3. 🌊 Rising sea levels

• Melting glaciers and polar ice caps are contributing to rising sea levels, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and erosion during storms and tidal surges.

4. 🔥 Extreme temperature events

• Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. For example, Europe experienced heat waves in 2003, 2010, 2015, 2019 and 2021 with record temperatures.
• Cold extremes are less common, but climate change may cause disruption of the polar vortex, leading to extreme cold events in temperate latitudes.

5. 💨 Changes in atmospheric circulation

• Disruption of the jet streams can cause certain weather patterns to become "stuck" over an area, leading to extended periods of drought or precipitation.

6. ⚠️ Increased frequency of extreme events

• Stronger storms, tornadoes, and flash floods may become more frequent due to increased atmospheric instability.

🧪 Evidence of a relationship

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states in its 6th Assessment Report that it is very likely that human activity is the main cause of the observed increase in extreme temperature events since the mid-20th century.
• Statistical analyses show an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation in many regions.
• Observational data record an increase in the intensity of tropical cyclones, especially in the North Atlantic.

📌 Specific examples

• 🌀 Hurricane Harvey (2017): It brought record rainfall to Texas, leading to massive flooding. Surface water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico were abnormally high, adding to the hurricane's energy.
• 🔥 Australian fires (2019–2023): Extremely dry and hot conditions contributed to widespread fires that burned millions of hectares of forest.
• 🌡️ European heat waves: In 2019-2024, temperatures exceeding 45°C were recorded in some parts of Europe, which is unprecedented.

🧍 Impacts on society and ecosystems

• 🩺 Health risks: Increased number of deaths and illnesses caused by heat waves, floods and other extreme events.
• 💰 Economic costs: Growing financial losses due to damage to infrastructure, agriculture and property.
• 🚶 Migration: People are forced to leave their homes due to extreme events, leading to an increase in the number climate refugees.
• 🌿 Ecological consequences: Biodiversity loss, ecosystem change and extinction of sensitive species.

♻️ Adaptation and mitigation

• 🛠️ Customization: Developing and implementing strategies to reduce vulnerability to extreme events, such as improved warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and water management.
• 🔋 Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the transition to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and sustainable practices in industry and agriculture.
• 🤝 International cooperation: Adhering to agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep global warming below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Climate change significantly affects the occurrence and nature of extreme weather events. This relationship has far-reaching consequences for people, ecosystems and economies around the world. Understanding and acknowledging this relationship is key to taking effective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect future generations. Spring