The risk from extreme weather events is likely to increase if the world continues to warm, according to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
The report also said it was “very likely” that emissions had led to an increase in daily maximum temperatures. Emissions had also led to some regions experiencing longer and more intense droughts.
The findings of the special report were presented at the IPCC’s 34th Session, which is being held in Kampala, Uganda.
The details were outlined during a media briefing by the co-chairmen overseeing the compilation of two of the three segments of next IPCC assessment report.
Introducing the Summary for Policymakers of the Special Report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation, IPCC chairman Rajendra Pachauri said: “It underlines the complexity and diversity of factors that are shaping human vulnerability to extremes.”
The summary stated: “Extreme events are rare, which means there are few data available to make assessments regarding changes in their frequency or intensity.”
However, it added: “There have been statistically significant trends in the number of heavy precipitation events in some regions.”
On the possible change to hurricane patterns, it said: “Average tropical cyclone maximum wind speed is likely to increase, although increases may not occur in all ocean basins.
“It is likely that the global frequency of tropical cyclones will either decrease or remain essentially unchanged.”
The report also said that small island – as well as mountainous and coastal – settlements were likely to be particularly vulnerable as a result of sea-level rise and higher temperatures, in both developed and developing nations.
“Rapid urbanisation and the growth of mega-cities, especially in developing nations, have led to the emergence of highly vulnerable urban communities,” it added.
See http://www.ipcc.ch.