China’s record-breaking heatwave linked to human-induced climate change

By Isobel Williams via SWNS

China’s three-day record-breaking heatwave was caused by human-induced climate change, reveals a new study.

And such heatwaves are only going to get worse, say scientists.

They have found that these extremes will be twice as likely to occur and will reach even higher temperatures.

In June, North China hit record breaking heights, with temperatures in Beijing reaching or exceeding 40℃ for three consecutive days.

This heatwave resulted in negative effects on transportation, public health, energy supply, agricultural development, and economic growth.

New research, published in Environmental Research Letters, found that the intensity of such events has increased by at least 1.0℃ due to human-induced climate change.

They also found that heatwaves like these are now twice as likely to occur, even under proposed carbon neutral targets, and will be 0.5℃ more intense.

The team, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, believe that change is needed as the current emissions scenario will increase the probability of reoccurrence to over five times this century with a 2.9℃ rise in intensity.

Professor Cheng Qian said: “This study is a first attempt in establishing a real-time rapid attribution service in China, providing risk information on climate change to inform policymaking.

“Our findings highlight the need for change and measures to reduce emissions to address the consequences of extreme heat wave events.

“Rapid attribution analysis can also inform the public of how climate change is linked to the severe weather they have recently experienced.

“Analyses like these promote awareness and push participation in climate actions to reduce the effects of climate change and contribute to the completion of carbon neutrality.

“The attribution results were released to the public eight days after the event on third of July.”

Professor Cunrui Huang added: “Our work has important implications across the globe, not just in North China.

“Countries need to implement a range of effective interventions to manage public health risks caused by climate change, including the development of heat adaptation plans and the establishment of heat-health early warning systems by government departments.”