Eastern Canada recently experienced a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures soaring well above average for several days. As the region grappled with scorching temperatures and high humidity, many began to wonder: how much of this extreme weather can be attributed to climate change?
According to a recent study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, the answer is quite significant. The study, conducted by a team of climate scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network, found that the heat wave was made at least 150 times more likely due to human-caused climate change.
The researchers used a combination of observational data and climate models to analyze the heat wave, which occurred from June 27 to July 1, 2021. They compared the current climate conditions to a hypothetical world without human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, and found that the likelihood of such a heat wave occurring was extremely low in the absence of climate change.
In fact, the study estimates that the heat wave was made 1.2 to 9 times more likely due to climate change, with a best estimate of 3.6 times more likely. This means that without human influence on the climate, the heat wave would have been significantly less severe or may not have occurred at all.
The WWA team also noted that the heat wave was not just a result of natural climate variability, but rather a clear signal of human-caused climate change. They stated that the extreme temperatures seen during the heat wave were consistent with what is expected in a warming world, and that the likelihood of such events will continue to increase as global temperatures rise.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence linking extreme weather events to climate change. It serves as a reminder that the impacts of climate change are not just a distant threat, but are already being felt in our daily lives. As the world continues to warm, we can expect more frequent and intense heat waves, as well as other extreme weather events.
While the exact extent of the influence of climate change on this specific heat wave may be debated, the overall message is clear: we must take urgent action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Failure to do so will only lead to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, with devastating consequences for our communities and the planet.
