A recent publication in the journal Environmental Research Letters presents an analysis of the unprecedented heatwave experienced in North China during June. Beijing witnessed extraordinary temperatures surpassing 40°C for three days straight. This study, employing both empirical and model-based methods, establishes a connection between this climatic anomaly and anthropogenic climate change. The report is credited to IOP Publishing.
The research, spearheaded by Cheng Qian, correlates the extreme heat conditions in North China’s June to human-induced climate change, underscoring the resultant adverse effects on health and economic sectors. The study calls for worldwide measures in heat adaptation and climate change mitigation.
North China experienced unparalleled heat levels in June, with Beijing recording temperatures of 40℃ (104°F) or more for three days in a row. This escalation in heatwave severity, by at least 1.0℃, is attributed to human-induced climate change. Under the projected carbon-neutral goals, such heatwaves are predicted to occur with double the likelihood and an additional 0.5℃ intensity. The current trajectory of emissions increases the chances of these events recurring more than fivefold within this century, intensifying by 2.9℃.
June’s heatwave in North China, notably in Beijing where temperatures soared to 40°C (104°F) for three days, marked a historical event. Published on December 7 in Environmental Research Letters by IOP Publishing, the paper examines human-induced climate change’s role in such extreme heat events and their future frequency and intensity.
Led by Cheng Qian from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, the study was part of a broader international research collaboration. It used two probability-based attribution methods: an empirical approach grounded in observational data and a coupled model approach, considering both a low CO2 emissions, carbon-neutral scenario, and an intermediate CO2 emissions scenario.
Professor Qian, an expert in Atmospheric Science, states: “This research represents China’s initial foray into establishing a real-time rapid attribution service, aiming to provide essential risk information regarding climate change for policymaking. Our results emphasize the urgent need for emission reduction strategies to mitigate the impact of severe heatwaves.”
He adds: “Rapid attribution analysis serves to educate the public on the connection between climate change and recent extreme weather experiences. Such analyses foster awareness and encourage participation in climate initiatives, contributing towards achieving carbon neutrality. The findings were shared with the public shortly after the event, on July 3.”
The study details how heatwave events, defined by their intensity and duration in specific areas, have detrimental impacts on transportation, public health, energy, agriculture, and economic progress in June.
Professor Cunrui Huang, a co-author from Tsinghua University’s Vanke School of Public Health in China, remarks: “Our research holds global significance, extending beyond North China. It is imperative for nations to implement effective strategies to address public health risks posed by climate change. This includes developing heat adaptation plans and establishing heat-health early warning systems by governmental bodies.”
Reference: “Rapid attribution of the record-breaking heatwave event in North China in June 2023 and future risks” by Cheng Qian et al., 7 December 2023, Environmental Research Letters.
DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ad0dd9
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Climate Change Impact
What is the main finding of the recent study on North China’s heatwave?
The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, links the record-breaking heatwave in North China during June to human-induced climate change. It emphasizes the significant impacts of such extreme weather events on public health and the economy.
Who led the research on the North China heatwave and what methods were used?
The research was led by Cheng Qian of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It utilized empirical and model-based approaches to attribute the heatwave to human-induced climate change, considering scenarios of low and intermediate CO2 emissions.
What are the implications of the study on future heatwaves under current emissions scenarios?
The study predicts that heatwaves like the one experienced in North China will occur with double the likelihood even under carbon-neutral targets, with an increase in intensity of 0.5℃. Under the current emissions scenario, the probability of such events could increase more than fivefold this century, with a rise in intensity of 2.9℃.
How does the study contribute to climate change policy and public awareness?
The study establishes a real-time rapid attribution service in China, providing essential climate change risk information for policymaking. It also aims to inform the public about the link between severe weather events and climate change, promoting awareness and participation in climate action.
More about Climate Change Impact
- Environmental Research Letters
- Institute of Atmospheric Physics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Tsinghua University Vanke School of Public Health
- IOP Publishing
5 comments
is this the first study of its kind in china, seems like a big deal for raising awareness there!
honestly, we need to do more about climate change, it’s scary how fast things are changing…
kinda confused how they measure the heatwaves intensity and link it to climate change, anyone got more info?
i’m not surprised at all, Beijing has been getting hotter every year, right?
wow, this study is really eye-opening, shows how much we’ve impacted the climate 🙁