Scientists from China and the United States have discovered that human-induced climate change weakens the intensity of extreme cold events, Xinhua reported.
Key Findings
A study published in Climate and Atmospheric Science analyzed a severe cold wave that impacted eastern China in December 2023. Researchers identified unusual atmospheric circulation as the main cause. However, the study revealed that global warming reduced its intensity by 22%.
The research was conducted by:
- Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences
- University at Albany, State University of New York
Climate Change Reduces Severity of Cold Waves
Professor Qian Chen from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics stated, “Our findings confirm that human-caused climate change significantly reduces extreme cold events.”
The study showed that:
- The likelihood of similar cold waves dropped by 92% due to human activity.
- The average cold wave temperature increased by 1.9°C compared to a world without human influence.
Future Cold Waves: Rarer and Milder
By the end of the 21st century, extreme cold waves will:
- Become 95% less frequent in a moderate emissions scenario
- Decrease in intensity by more than 2°C
- Occur much less often than today
Will Extreme Cold Disappear Completely?
Scientists warn that cold waves will not disappear entirely.
“Even if we achieve climate neutrality and limit warming to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement, unpredictable cold waves may still occur,” said Professor Chen.
Be Prepared for Sudden Temperature Drops
While global warming continues to alter climate patterns, experts stress the need for climate adaptation strategies. Societies must prepare for unexpected cold waves and their potential impacts.
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