ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes’ Post

Wind and rain extremes, the perfect storm heralding climate change 🌪️🌧️ Researchers from Newcastle University have examined the rising frequency of extreme weather events in a new study. They have focused on the combined occurrence of strong winds and heavy rain. Understanding compound weather occurrences is becoming increasingly important for both mitigation and adaptation methods as climate change accelerates. 🔍 What have they found? - Marked increase in the frequency of combined wind and rain extremes throughout Europe. - Regional differences, with coastal regions being especially at risk from the combined effects of storm surges and severe rains. - combined occurrence of strong winds and heavy rain can have an impact on infrastructure, increasing the risk of severe flooding, extensive structural damage, and prolonged power outages. 🤔 Why it matters Creating resilient infrastructure and efficient disaster response plans requires an understanding of these weather patterns. By using this information, businesses and policymakers can better prepare for the future and ensure that communities are better equipped to handle these difficulties. 📢 Advocating for early warning systems At Arantec, we believe that improving early warning systems is an essential step in addressing the effects of these extreme weather events. These solutions can send out timely alerts that let communities minimise the impact on people and property by allowing them to take the necessary precautions. Putting money into these systems is essential to constructing resilience against the growing threat of weather extremes brought on by climate change. 🗣 How are you preparing for extreme weather events? Hayley Fowler Met Office Jennifer Catto Steven Chan Philip Sansom #ExtremeWeather #ClimateChange #ExtremeStorms

Happy Saturday! Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far! I know it's summer, but if you're like me and live in Charlotte, it's been getting scorching and muggy. Did a bit of digging on the future climate of Charlotte and here are a few interesting things I found: Temperature Increases 🌡️: According to the NOAA, Charlotte is expected to experience an average temperature increase of 3-5°F by 2050. This rise could lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Heatwaves 🔥: The number of days with temperatures exceeding 95°F is projected to triple by mid-century, according to the North Carolina Climate Science Report. This can strain our energy systems and increase the need for cooling. Precipitation Changes ☔: Studies from Climate Central indicate that while overall annual precipitation may remain relatively stable, the pattern will change. Expect heavier downpours and more extended dry periods, potentially increasing the risk of flooding and drought. While going down this road, I did discover Sustain Charlotte and some of the cool things they're doing to bring awareness and solutions to the matter here in the Charlotte community! Hopefully we can create a more sustainable future and adapt efficiently! #ClimateChange #SustainableFuture #CharlotteNC #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalAwareness

Recent research by University of Michigan scholars challenges the idea that six Great Lakes cities, including Ann Arbor, serve as "climate havens" resistant to climate change's adverse effects. Findings suggest these cities might face among the most significant temperature rises soon. These “climate havens” in the Midwest are already encountering climate change repercussions, including severe storms and flooding. Notably, a catastrophic flood in 2021 inflicted millions of dollars in damages across the metro Detroit area. Additionally, climate change has manifested in other ways in Michigan, such as smoke and debris from Canadian wildfires, which significantly deteriorated air quality. This decline has posed heightened health risks, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3U401oI The Michigan Daily Graphic by: Matthew Prock #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #environmentaljustice #sustainability #businesseducation #southeastmichigan #detroit #sustainableimpact #thegreatlakesway #greatlakes #climatehaven #climatechange #research #universityofmichigan #temperatureincrease #extremeweather #flooding #midwest #airquality #publichealth

"🌍 In the wake of the alarming surge in global floods, it's time to confront the harsh reality: climate change is exacerbating these catastrophic events. As temperatures rise, so does the moisture in the atmosphere, fueling intense rainfall and subsequent flooding. The evidence is staggering—research indicates a clear correlation between climate change and the increased frequency and severity of floods worldwide. 💡But amidst the dire statistics lies an opportunity for collective action. By delving into the intricacies of climate science and understanding the mechanisms driving these extreme weather phenomena, we empower ourselves to enact meaningful change. Each flood is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions and resilient infrastructure. 🔍 Let's harness the power of research and innovation to not only adapt to the realities of climate change but also to mitigate its impact. From green infrastructure to community resilience programs, there's no shortage of avenues to explore. Together, let's pave the way for a more sustainable future—one where floods are no longer synonymous with devastation, but rather with resilience and proactive adaptation. #ClimateChangeAwareness #ResearchDrivenAction #SustainableSolutions #ClimateResilience" 

You can't manage what you don't measure 📶 What we have measured is unsettling ... ☣ ℹ You know this... We live in a rapidly urbanizing world. In the next 30 years, some 70 million people will move to urban areas every single year. By 2050, two-thirds of the global population will live in cities. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change if left unchecked.... ❗ What is getting ignored... Major cities are already feeling the impact of these hazards, and 42% of their reported hazards are expected to manifest in the short term. As the majority (60%) of these hazards are reported as a medium or high likelihood, it's clear that cities are expecting to feel the full force of climate impacts in the coming years. Data shows that the top five hazards faced by cities are flash/surface flooding, heat waves, rain storms, extreme hot days and droughts. ❇ What must be done... 〰 Cities must act to build resilience and protect their citizens from the impacts of climate change. The first step is for cities to understand their vulnerabilities. Only then will cities be able to plan in the right actions. 〰Your thoughts ??

Is Your Business Prepared for the Unpredictable Impacts of Climate Change? The recent winter across the US was one of extremes: record warmth, flooding rains, and unexpected effects like early maple syrup season and ice-free Great Lakes. While the exact long-term patterns are complex, this unusual winter is a reminder of the far-reaching impacts of climate change. Key Takeaways from the Article: ◽ Temperatures Are Rising Fastest in Traditionally Cold Areas: This is leading to less snow and earlier spring conditions, but it doesn't eliminate extreme cold snaps. ◽ Impacts are Highly Localized: Businesses need to understand how climate shifts affect their specific region, from tourism losses due to less snow to shipping disruptions on the Great Lakes. ◽ Cascading Effects: Warmer winters have consequences for pest populations, agriculture, and even infrastructure designed for colder conditions. ◽ The HVAC/Insulation Angle: Milder winters can reduce demand for heating system upgrades and emergency repairs. This highlights the need for diverse revenue streams within those industries. Why This Matters for Business: ◽ Planning for the Unexpected: Businesses need to factor in climate volatility when forecasting demand, assessing supply chain risks, and developing long-term strategies. ◽ The Importance of Adaptability: Companies that can pivot quickly in response to shifting weather patterns or consumer behavior will have a competitive edge. ◽ Opportunity in Disruption: While climate change presents risks, it also creates demand for new solutions in areas like agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness. Question for All: How has your region been impacted by changing weather patterns? Are you observing unexpected shifts in your industry due to climate-related factors? #ClimateChange #SupplyChain #BusinessResilience #SustainableBusiness #RiskManagement https://lnkd.in/g-xMN-KG

600 years of tree rings reveal climate risks in California The San Joaquin Valley in California has experienced vast variability in climate extremes, with droughts and floods that were more severe and lasted longer than what has been seen in the modern record, according to a new study of 600 years of tree rings from the valley. The researchers used the tree rings to reconstruct plausible daily records of weather and streamflow scenarios during the 600-year period. This new approach, combining paleo information with synthetic weather generation, may help policymakers and scientists better understand — and anticipate — California’s flood and drought risks and how they will be compounded by … Read More » The San Joaquin Valley in California has experienced vast variability in climate extremes, with droughts and floods that were more severe and lasted longer than what has been seen in the modern record, according to a new study of 600 years of tree rings from the valley. The researchers used the tree rings to reconstruct plausible daily records of weather and streamflow scenarios during the 600-year period. This new approach, combining paleo information with synthetic weather generation, may help policymakers and scientists better understand — and anticipate — California’s flood...

To expand on our recent post and the climate myth that El Niño will mean hot and dry conditions, which simply has not been the case recently for various regions in Queensland (particularly South East and Far North), Victoria, eastern NSW and many others. The following quote by Research Director for the CSIRO's Climate Intelligence Program Dr Jaci Brown, within a recent news article paints the picture in a novel way, comparing El Niño's behaviour to a chocolate pinwheel (which everyone loves): "Without any forecast, there is an equal chance it could be a wet, dry or normal year”. "So when we know it's going to be an El Niño it changes that probability so the segment for dry conditions on that chocolate wheel is much larger, and the wet is smaller." Just like the chocolate pinwheel at the casino your number doesn’t always come up… Its all probability and driven by complex and interacting weather patterns and factors including sea surface temperature. Unfortunately some things can be assured, such as clay particles and turbid water not being captured (or ‘filtered’ out) onsite via common sediment control measures such as sediment fence or rock. Recent BOM forecasts suggest a increased probability of above median rainfall during January to March for locations within South East Queensland, eastern NSW and Victoria. Read more - https://lnkd.in/gxJjAFrv

In a remarkable development, the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions are bracing for a significant winter storm that could bring the first substantial snowfall in nearly two years for some cities. With an active Pacific storm track indicative of an El Niño winter, this system is poised to deliver a mix of heavy rain, strong winds, and snow across the US. The full impact of the storm, including snowfall amounts and precise locations of snow versus rain, remains uncertain due to the storm’s evolving nature. However, the potential for travel disruptions is clear, and preparations are underway. The storm’s trajectory is crucial, with just a 50-mile difference potentially separating heavy snow areas from rain zones. Cities like New York, which has experienced a record low snowfall in recent years, might see an end to their snowless streaks. This weather event is a stark reminder of the increasing variability and unpredictability of climate patterns, which are influenced by global warming due to fossil fuel emissions. As such, this weekend's storm serves as a real-time example of the broader climate challenges we face, highlighting the urgency for sustainable practices and innovative solutions in weather forecasting and environmental protection. For more updates on this developing weather story, follow the link: [ #WinterStorm #ClimateChange #WeatherPreparedness

Maine’s #climate is getting warmer and wetter, and extreme weather patterns that can bring damaging rainfall 🌧 or prolonged heat waves 🔥 are becoming more common. But how does a warming climate produce these extremes? And why has the last year seemed so unusual — summer 2023 ranking 2nd wettest on record after several dry years, global mean temperatures soaring to record highs, and three major storms impacting Maine since December 18? Join our 🥪L&L📚 this Friday, Feb. 2, from 12 to 1PM, to hear from Dr. Sean Birkel, Maine State Climatologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute and Cooperative Extension, as he explores these questions, provides historical climate context, and steps through recent examples of extreme weather in Maine paired with the large-scale circulation patterns that facilitated these events. The event is free, but you must register to receive the Zoom link: https://lnkd.in/eyEXCFSV