Title: Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: Growing Concerns and International Cooperation
Introduction:
In a recent interview on the Brookings trade podcast “Dollar and Sense,” Samantha Gross, director of the Energy Security and Climate Initiative at Brookings, discusses the connection between climate change and the increasing number of extreme weather events and disasters worldwide. Gross emphasizes that while global temperature rise makes these events more likely, international cooperation to reduce carbon emissions is having a positive effect on average temperature rise.
Understanding the Link between Climate Change and Extreme Weather:
Gross highlights that the science of attributing weather events to climate change is improving. Recent analysis indicates that the ongoing heatwave in the southern U.S. and northern Mexico is approximately two degrees Celsius warmer than it would have been without climate change. This tangible result demonstrates the impact of climate change on extreme weather events. Additionally, these events are becoming more likely, with the current heatwave potentially occurring every 2 to 5 years in the future if emissions continue on the current path. Gross emphasizes that a warmer world will experience more energetic weather, including hotter heatwaves, wetter rainy spells, and drier droughts.
Concern and Action about Climate Change:
Given the prevalence of climate-related disasters in the news, Dollar asks Gross whether this stimulates more concern and action about climate change. Gross acknowledges that global coal consumption reached a new high last year, reflecting challenges in energy markets due to the war in Ukraine. However, she remains optimistic about the overall trend towards renewable energy generation. Gross argues that climate change is not the only reason to transition away from fossil fuels but emphasizes the importance of energy security, which renewable energy sources can provide.
International Cooperation and Key Players:
Dollar and Gross discuss the role of major players in addressing climate change. They specifically focus on China, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Gross expresses cautious optimism about U.S.-China cooperation on climate, citing John Kerry’s recent visit to Beijing. Despite political tensions, both countries share an interest in combating climate change, as evidenced by China’s experience with heatwaves. Gross acknowledges concerns about Chinese investments in fossil fuels, particularly coal, abroad. Encouraging China to transition away from such investments is crucial for the global climate and should be done through competition and gentle encouragement rather than antagonism.
Conclusion:
As extreme weather events continue to affect communities worldwide, the need to address climate change becomes more urgent. The interview with Samantha Gross highlights the progress in understanding the link between climate change and extreme weather events. It also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the role of major players, such as China, in driving climate action. Despite challenges, the overall trend towards renewable energy provides hope for a more sustainable future.
Original Story at www.brookings.edu – 2023-07-31 04:30:33
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