P2U2 05Effects of Climate Change on Extreme Weather Events

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What is the difference between global warming and climate change?

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Global warming refers to the increase in Earth's average temperature, while climate change encompasses broader changes in weather patterns resulting from this warming.

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What are extreme weather events?

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Intense or unusual weather occurrences, including storms, tornadoes, tropical storms, droughts, floods, and heatwaves.

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How does climate change affect weather patterns?

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Climate change leads to more drastic variations in weather patterns, making dry places drier and wet places wetter.

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What is a heat wave?

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A period of unusually hot weather that typically lasts two or more days, often with high humidity.

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How is climate change linked to heat waves?

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Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heat waves.

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What is a drought?

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A period of below-average precipitation in a region, resulting in prolonged water shortages.

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How does climate change contribute to droughts?

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Warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation and evapotranspiration, causing drier conditions in already dry areas.

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What regions have experienced declining precipitation since 1970?

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Southern Africa, the Sahel region of Africa, southern Asia, the Mediterranean, and the U.S. Southwest.

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What are the consequences of increased droughts on agriculture?

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Droughts severely impact livestock and crops, including staple commodities like corn, soybeans, and wheat.

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How do droughts affect wildfires?

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Drought conditions and high temperatures fuel destructive wildfires, leading to loss of forested areas and homes.