Extreme Weather to Hit 70% of Humans in Next 20 Years, Study Warns

While reducing air pollution is essential for public health, it could paradoxically exacerbate climate impacts in some regions. Meteorologist Laura Wilcox from the University of Reading explains that air pollution has historically masked some of the effects of global warming, particularly over Asia. A rapid clean-up of air pollution could accelerate warming in certain areas, leading to even more drastic changes in extreme weather patterns, including a disruption of the Asian summer monsoons.

This means that even while cleaning the air, we must brace for stronger and more frequent extreme weather events. Wilcox warns that the combination of global warming and air pollution reduction will likely trigger a cascade of severe weather events over the coming decades.

Adaptation and Mitigation: The Way Forward

The implications of this study are clear: there is no longer a choice between adapting to climate change or mitigating its effects. Both must happen simultaneously and on a global scale. Countries must continue to work toward reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, but they must also invest in infrastructure and systems to adapt to the changes that are already inevitable.

Efforts to adapt to extreme weather include improving disaster preparedness, bolstering the resilience of infrastructure, and protecting vulnerable ecosystems. Without these measures, societies will struggle to cope with the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Dr. Iles and her team stress that while cutting emissions can reduce some of the worst impacts, we are still in for a period of unprecedented and rapid change. “These conclusions emphasize the need for both continued mitigation and adaptation to potentially unprecedented changes over the next 20 years, even under a low-emissions scenario,” Iles writes.

The Road Ahead

The study’s findings underscore the urgency of the climate crisis. The next two decades will be critical in shaping the future of life on Earth. While reducing emissions remains crucial, preparing for the inevitable consequences of climate change is equally important. Failure to act will leave billions of people vulnerable to the worsening impacts of extreme weather, from heatwaves to floods and wildfires.

As the world continues to grapple with rising temperatures and more frequent natural disasters, the message from scientists is clear: the time for action is now. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to cut emissions, build climate resilience, and safeguard the future for generations to come. The price of inaction is simply too high.