'TRANSLATION BETWEEN CHANGE IN WEATHER AND DAMAGES IS NOT LINEAR’
Down To Earth|November 01, 2022
Attribution science has grown leaps and bounds to trace the link between climate change and weather events. But this link does not extend to estimating loss and damages, FRIEDERIKE OTTO, climate scientist at Grantham Institute of Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, tells AKSHIT SANGOMLA. Excerpts:
AKSHIT SANGOMLA
'TRANSLATION BETWEEN CHANGE IN WEATHER AND DAMAGES IS NOT LINEAR’

How has weather attribution grown as a scientific discipline?

Weather attribution science has come a long way in the last five years. There are emerging best practice methodologies now. Through that we now know, without having to do a new study, that every heatwave has been made more likely and more intense because of climate change. We also know that in most cases of heavy rainfall events there is a role of climate change, though that is smaller than in heatwaves. For droughts there are some hotspots where we do see the fingerprints of climate change. These are southern Africa, the Mediterranean region and parts of South America. There are also many droughts that cause huge damage and food insecurity even though they do not have a climate change signal. Highlighting that vulnerability and exposure plays a crucial role.

What are some open questions in weather attribution science?

This story is from the November 01, 2022 edition of Down To Earth.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 01, 2022 edition of Down To Earth.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DOWN TO EARTHView All
IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT
Down To Earth

IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT

West Bengal's Bhanga Mela (scrap fair) has pushed the limits of recycling. Organised every January at Mathurapur village in 24 South Parganas district, shops at the fair sell discarded electronic items, antiques and even non-functional goods that are in repairable condition.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 01, 2024
A wild chase
Down To Earth

A wild chase

BASED ON A 2015 PROBE THAT BUST A MAJOR IVORY SMUGGLING RACKET IN INDIA, POACHER PROVIDES A RARE GLIMPSE INTO THE WORK OF FOREST OFFICIALS

time-read
3 mins  |
April 01, 2024
Suspect claims in Teva's suit against Cipla
Down To Earth

Suspect claims in Teva's suit against Cipla

The US Federal Trade Commission has warned the Israeli drug firm its patents are wrongful as it sues Cipla aggressively

time-read
4 mins  |
April 01, 2024
WATER SCARREDCITY
Down To Earth

WATER SCARREDCITY

Bengaluru's water crisis was long in the making. The city has grown at the cost of its lakes and ponds that are key to its water security. Over 93 per cent of the city is built-up, which makes groundwater recharge difficult. Inadequate sewage systems pollute the limited water available. Over the decades, the city has become dependent on the Cauvery, 100 km away, for 70 per cent of its water needs. This makes water unaffordable. It's time Bengaluru broadened its water resource base beyond the Cauvery and focused on recharging groundwater and reusing treated wastewater.

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 01, 2024
On guard
Down To Earth

On guard

Communities in Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh reduce human-elephant conflicts using technology and proactive on-ground monitoring

time-read
4 mins  |
April 01, 2024
Overlooked crisis
Down To Earth

Overlooked crisis

While there is much talk about climate migration, the world is without a legal framework to protect people displaced by weather disasters

time-read
6 mins  |
April 01, 2024
Taking charge for water
Down To Earth

Taking charge for water

A young sarpanch in Maharashtra helps his village residents avail drinking water at home

time-read
2 mins  |
April 01, 2024
International Women's Day Special SHE
Down To Earth

International Women's Day Special SHE

In India, women self-help groups have been a source of empowerment, fostering economic independence, social stature and community resilience.

time-read
10 mins  |
March 01, 2024
MODERATELY YOURS
Down To Earth

MODERATELY YOURS

The crunchy, slightly sweet tubers of shankhalu can be a healthy addition to one's diet

time-read
3 mins  |
March 01, 2024
TROUBLED TEAK
Down To Earth

TROUBLED TEAK

Farmers need to be sensitised about right planting materials and cultivation techniques to benefit from high-value teak plantations

time-read
6 mins  |
March 01, 2024