Latest news with #WorldWeatherAttribution
Euronews
3 days ago
- Climate
- Euronews
Scientists slam ‘injustice' of scarce Global South climate studies
Unclear results from a study into the heavy rain which triggered a deadly landslide in Colombia and floods in Venezuela reflect a 'scientific injustice' between rich and poor countries, scientists have warned. The rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution could not find clear evidence that climate change influenced these downpours. But the researchers highlight that high uncertainties in the results mean the possibility of heavier rain should not be ruled out. Like many Global South countries, Colombia and Venezuela are highly vulnerable to climate change, but their complex tropical climates are severely under-researched. 'A core aim of World Weather Attribution is to improve understanding of extreme weather in Global South countries,' says Dr Mariam Zachariah, research associate at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London. 'Many have tropical climates, which are inherently difficult to study – a combination of mountains, coasts, rainforests and complex weather systems means rainfall is varied, intense and challenging to capture in climate models. 'Unfortunately, many countries with tropical climates have limited capacity to do climate science, meaning we don't have a good understanding of how they are being affected by climate change.' Did climate change make heavy rainfall worse in Colombia and Venezuela? In late June, intense rainfall swept across Colombia and Venezuela, causing widespread flooding and deadly landslides. Near Medellín in Colombia, a landslide buried homes and killed 27 people. In Venezuela, overflowing rivers ruined homes, wiped out crops and displaced thousands of people. To try and work out the role climate change played in this heavy rain, scientists looked at rainfall over two regions: the Colombian Andes and the Venezuelan Llanos. Historical data showed that neither event was particularly rare. In today's climate with 1.3°C of warming, the three months of rainfall in Colombia can be expected every ten years on average, while in Venezuela, similar five-day spells of heavy rain can be expected every three years. The study also found a drying trend with seasonal rainfall in Colombia, now 12 per cent less likely and less intense, while the chance of heavy rainfall over Venezuela was 9 per cent lower. Climate models also showed a drying trend in Colombia, but that was less clear in Venezuela. There were high uncertainties in the global data sets and models that the researchers looked at. Both Colombia and Venezuela have complex tropical climates, and they say the possibility of heavier rain shouldn't be ruled out. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects a range of changes in rainfall in the region - but that prediction also has low confidence. Why are weather attribution studies in the Global South often inconclusive? World Weather Attribution says high uncertainty is typical in rainfall studies of Global South countries. Dr Zachariah points to another recent study on deadly floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this year, which also returned inconclusive results. The DRC is a developing country with a tropical climate. Historically, climate science has focused on wealthier countries, making data sets and models less accurate for places like these. Latin America is one of the most understudied regions in the world – this analysis is the first attribution study on a weather event in Venezuela and just the third for Colombia. 'Yet again, we've studied an extreme rainfall event in a Global South country and come up with unclear results,' explains Dr Joyce Kimutai, research associate at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London. 'This is a scientific injustice.' Dr Kimutai emphasises that rich countries, which have contributed the most to global warming, are able to invest in research to understand how they will be affected by changing weather extremes. Poor countries, which have contributed the least but are the most vulnerable, have limited funds for climate research. 'This reduces their ability to understand what the future might bring and how they should prepare.' She adds that Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa need more extreme weather attribution studies. But the global data sets and climate models they use for these studies often perform poorly in these regions. 'Investing in weather stations and climate science will help. That money really should come from rich countries.' 'More science will save lives' While landslides and flash floods are common in both countries, the expansion of informal communities on hillsides is increasing the risk of disaster, the study highlights. And, while the landslide in Colombia was not extreme by historical standards, it still led to a significant loss of life. Researchers say many people living in these areas have been displaced by past disasters or conflicts and are moving closer to cities to search for better job opportunities. The experts add that adaptation efforts such as early warning systems and forest conservation can be cost-effective ways to reduce risks. 'Extreme weather is non-stop in Colombia and Venezuela. One year we face devastating flash floods; the next, severe droughts and wildfires,' says Professor Paola A. Arias, Professor at the Universidad of Antioquia in Colombia. 'It doesn't take much for a weather event to become a disaster because many people are already vulnerable. The late June downpours weren't especially unusual, however, they still triggered a landslide that killed 27 people.' Professor Arias adds that, while it's unclear if climate change increased rainfall in this case, it's almost certainly increasing the risk of drought, heatwaves and wildfires in both countries. 'We urgently need more investment in climate science to understand shifting risks and prepare for what's ahead. More science will save lives.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘Scientific injustice': Deadly rainfall in Colombia and Venezuela highlights need for more research
Unclear results from a study into the heavy rain which triggered a deadly landslide in Colombia and floods in Venezuela reflect a 'scientific injustice' between rich and poor countries, scientists have warned. The rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution could not find clear evidence that climate change influenced these downpours. But the researchers highlight that high uncertainties in the results mean the possibility of heavier rain should not be ruled out. Like many Global South countries, Colombia and Venezuela are highly vulnerable to climate change, but their complex tropical climates are severely under-researched. 'A core aim of World Weather Attribution is to improve understanding of extreme weather in Global South countries,' says Dr Mariam Zachariah, research associate at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London. We don't have a good understanding of how they are being affected by climate change. 'Many have tropical climates, which are inherently difficult to study – a combination of mountains, coasts, rainforests and complex weather systems means rainfall is varied, intense and challenging to capture in climate models. Related Heatwaves, floods and sea level rise: UK weather extremes are increasing, Met Office confirms 'Crimes against nature and people': How a global crackdown in the Amazon unfolded 'Unfortunately, many countries with tropical climates have limited capacity to do climate science, meaning we don't have a good understanding of how they are being affected by climate change.' Did climate change make heavy rainfall worse in Colombia and Venezuela? In late June, intense rainfall swept across Colombia and Venezuela, causing widespread flooding and deadly landslides. Near Medellín in Colombia, a landslide buried homes and killed 27 people. In Venezuela, overflowing rivers ruined homes, wiped out crops and displaced thousands of people. To try and work out the role climate change played in this heavy rain, scientists looked at rainfall over two regions: the Colombian Andes and the Venezuelan Llanos. Historical data showed that neither event was particularly rare. In today's climate with 1.3°C of warming, the three months of rainfall in Colombia can be expected every ten years on average, while in Venezuela, similar five-day spells of heavy rain can be expected every three years. The study also found a drying trend with seasonal rainfall in Colombia, now 12 per cent less likely and less intense, while the chance of heavy rainfall over Venezuela was 9 per cent lower. Climate models also showed a drying trend in Colombia, but that was less clear in Venezuela. There were high uncertainties in the global data sets and models that the researchers looked at. Both Colombia and Venezuela have complex tropical climates, and they say the possibility of heavier rain shouldn't be ruled out. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects a range of changes in rainfall in the region - but that prediction also has low confidence. Why are weather attribution studies in the Global South often inconclusive? World Weather Attribution says high uncertainty is typical in rainfall studies of Global South countries. Dr Zachariah points to another recent study on deadly floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this year, which also returned inconclusive results. The DRC is a developing country with a tropical climate. Historically, climate science has focused on wealthier countries, making data sets and models less accurate for places like these. Latin America is one of the most understudied regions in the world – this analysis is the first attribution study on a weather event in Venezuela and just the third for Colombia. 'Yet again, we've studied an extreme rainfall event in a Global South country and come up with unclear results,' explains Dr Joyce Kimutai, research associate at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London. 'This is a scientific injustice.' Dr Kimutai emphasises that rich countries, which have contributed the most to global warming, are able to invest in research to understand how they will be affected by changing weather extremes. Poor countries, which have contributed the least but are the most vulnerable, have limited funds for climate research. 'This reduces their ability to understand what the future might bring and how they should prepare.' She adds that Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa need more extreme weather attribution studies. But the global data sets and climate models they use for these studies often perform poorly in these regions. 'Investing in weather stations and climate science will help. That money really should come from rich countries.' 'More science will save lives' While landslides and flash floods are common in both countries, the expansion of informal communities on hillsides is increasing the risk of disaster, the study highlights. And, while the landslide in Colombia was not extreme by historical standards, it still led to a significant loss of life. Researchers say many people living in these areas have been displaced by past disasters or conflicts and are moving closer to cities to search for better job opportunities. The experts add that adaptation efforts such as early warning systems and forest conservation can be cost-effective ways to reduce risks. Related Climate change tripled death toll of latest European heatwave, first ever rapid study finds New index reveals countries in the 'red zone' of climate vulnerability - including two in Europe 'Extreme weather is non-stop in Colombia and Venezuela. One year we face devastating flash floods; the next, severe droughts and wildfires,' says Professor Paola A. Arias, Professor at the Universidad of Antioquia in Colombia. It doesn't take much for a weather event to become a disaster because many people are already vulnerable. 'It doesn't take much for a weather event to become a disaster because many people are already vulnerable. The late June downpours weren't especially unusual, however, they still triggered a landslide that killed 27 people.' Professor Arias adds that, while it's unclear if climate change increased rainfall in this case, it's almost certainly increasing the risk of drought, heatwaves and wildfires in both countries. 'We urgently need more investment in climate science to understand shifting risks and prepare for what's ahead. More science will save lives.'
Euronews
3 days ago
- Climate
- Euronews
Scientists slam ‘scientific injustice' in Global South climate studies
Unclear results from a study into the heavy rain which triggered a deadly landslide in Colombia and floods in Venezuela reflect a 'scientific injustice' between rich and poor countries, scientists have warned. The rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution could not find clear evidence that climate change influenced these downpours. But the researchers highlight that high uncertainties in the results mean the possibility of heavier rain should not be ruled out. Like many Global South countries, Colombia and Venezuela are highly vulnerable to climate change, but their complex tropical climates are severely under-researched. 'A core aim of World Weather Attribution is to improve understanding of extreme weather in Global South countries,' says Dr Mariam Zachariah, research associate at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London. 'Many have tropical climates, which are inherently difficult to study – a combination of mountains, coasts, rainforests and complex weather systems means rainfall is varied, intense and challenging to capture in climate models. 'Unfortunately, many countries with tropical climates have limited capacity to do climate science, meaning we don't have a good understanding of how they are being affected by climate change.' Did climate change make heavy rainfall worse in Colombia and Venezuela? In late June, intense rainfall swept across Colombia and Venezuela, causing widespread flooding and deadly landslides. Near Medellín in Colombia, a landslide buried homes and killed 27 people. In Venezuela, overflowing rivers ruined homes, wiped out crops and displaced thousands of people. To try and work out the role climate change played in this heavy rain, scientists looked at rainfall over two regions: the Colombian Andes and the Venezuelan Llanos. Historical data showed that neither event was particularly rare. In today's climate with 1.3°C of warming, the three months of rainfall in Colombia can be expected every ten years on average, while in Venezuela, similar five-day spells of heavy rain can be expected every three years. The study also found a drying trend with seasonal rainfall in Colombia, now 12 per cent less likely and less intense, while the chance of heavy rainfall over Venezuela was 9 per cent lower. Climate models also showed a drying trend in Colombia, but that was less clear in Venezuela. There were high uncertainties in the global data sets and models that the researchers looked at. Both Colombia and Venezuela have complex tropical climates, and they say the possibility of heavier rain shouldn't be ruled out. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects a range of changes in rainfall in the region - but that prediction also has low confidence. Why are weather attribution studies in the Global South often inconclusive? World Weather Attribution says high uncertainty is typical in rainfall studies of Global South countries. Dr Zachariah points to another recent study on deadly floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this year, which also returned inconclusive results. The DRC is a developing country with a tropical climate. Historically, climate science has focused on wealthier countries, making data sets and models less accurate for places like these. Latin America is one of the most understudied regions in the world – this analysis is the first attribution study on a weather event in Venezuela and just the third for Colombia. 'Yet again, we've studied an extreme rainfall event in a Global South country and come up with unclear results,' explains Dr Joyce Kimutai, research associate at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London. 'This is a scientific injustice.' Dr Kimutai emphasises that rich countries, which have contributed the most to global warming, are able to invest in research to understand how they will be affected by changing weather extremes. Poor countries, which have contributed the least but are the most vulnerable, have limited funds for climate research. 'This reduces their ability to understand what the future might bring and how they should prepare.' She adds that Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa need more extreme weather attribution studies. But the global data sets and climate models they use for these studies often perform poorly in these regions. 'Investing in weather stations and climate science will help. That money really should come from rich countries.' 'More science will save lives' While landslides and flash floods are common in both countries, the expansion of informal communities on hillsides is increasing the risk of disaster, the study highlights. And, while the landslide in Colombia was not extreme by historical standards, it still led to a significant loss of life. Researchers say many people living in these areas have been displaced by past disasters or conflicts and are moving closer to cities to search for better job opportunities. The experts add that adaptation efforts such as early warning systems and forest conservation can be cost-effective ways to reduce risks. 'Extreme weather is non-stop in Colombia and Venezuela. One year we face devastating flash floods; the next, severe droughts and wildfires,' says Professor Paola A. Arias, Professor at the Universidad of Antioquia in Colombia. 'It doesn't take much for a weather event to become a disaster because many people are already vulnerable. The late June downpours weren't especially unusual, however, they still triggered a landslide that killed 27 people.' Professor Arias adds that, while it's unclear if climate change increased rainfall in this case, it's almost certainly increasing the risk of drought, heatwaves and wildfires in both countries. 'We urgently need more investment in climate science to understand shifting risks and prepare for what's ahead. More science will save lives.'
The Independent
12-07-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
The deadly hidden dangers of heatwaves – and how to keep yourself safe
Heatwaves have been made 100 times more likely and 2-4C hotter due to climate change, scientists have warned. A rapid study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group found the heatwave last week in the south-east of England was around 10 times more likely than without human activity warming the planet. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London also estimated there were around 570 excess deaths between 19 June and 22 June due to the last heatwave, based on historic mortality data. Temperatures could reach 34C on Saturday after the mercury hit a high of 34.7C in the West Midlands on Friday. Wales, meanwhile, recorded its hottest day of the year as Usk hit 32.7C. Amber heat health alerts are in place for large parts of England, with authorities warning soaring temperatures over the weekend are likely to cause a rise in deaths. The alert, which covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England and London, will last until 9am on Monday. Here, The Independent looks at how you can keep yourself safe during a heatwave: Prevent dehydration The government advises staying hydrated during hot weather by drinking fluids regularly throughout the day, particularly if you are active. Water, diluted squash and lower-fat milks are recommended. While fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can seem refreshing, they often contain high levels of sugar, which may contribute to dehydration. It's best to limit how much of these you consume and opt for diet, sugar-free or no-added-sugar alternatives instead. If you're heading out, take a refillable bottle of water with you, and carry extra if travelling by car or public transport. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, so choosing alcohol-free drinks or alternating alcoholic drinks with water is advised. Protect yourself from the sun The sun in the UK is strong enough to cause sunburn, with children especially vulnerable to skin damage. To reduce your risk, follow these sun safety measures: Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest Wear loose, light-coloured clothing made from tightly woven fabric, such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers or long skirts Protect your head, neck, face and ears with a wide-brimmed hat Use sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun Apply sunscreen generously and top it up regularly, especially after swimming or using a towel. The NHS recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and a UVA rating of four or five stars. How to keep your home cool Homes can become uncomfortably warm during hot weather, especially at night when trying to sleep. To keep indoor temperatures down, consider the following steps: Keep blinds and curtains closed on windows that face direct sunlight during the day If your home has external shutters or shades, keep them closed too Try to sleep or rest in the coolest part of the house When it's cooler outside than indoors, typically during the night, open windows if it is safe, and create a cross-breeze to help air circulate Use electric fans if the indoor temperature is below 35C, but avoid directing airflow straight at your body, as this can contribute to dehydration Make sure heating systems are switched off Turn off any lights or electronic devices not being used, as they can generate extra heat If the temperature outside is cooler, especially in shaded areas, consider spending time outdoors Public spaces such as places of worship, libraries or supermarkets may be cooler than your home. If they are nearby, visiting one can offer a helpful break from the heat. Heat exhaustion happens when the body gets too hot and struggles to cool down. It's not usually serious if you cool down within 30 minutes, but if untreated, it can develop into heatstroke, according to the NHS. Signs of heat exhaustion include: Tiredness or weakness Dizziness or feeling faint Headache Muscle cramps Nausea or vomiting Heavy sweating Strong thirst Heatstroke is more serious and occurs when the body's temperature rises to dangerous levels and can no longer cool itself. Symptoms include: Confusion or disorientation Loss of coordination Rapid heartbeat Fast breathing or shortness of breath Hot, dry skin (not sweating) Seizures Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately and try to cool the person down while waiting for help. Who is most at risk during hot weather? While anyone can feel unwell in the heat, some people are more vulnerable. These include:
RTÉ News
10-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
UK temperatures to hit 33C amid third summer heatwave
The UK is experiencing its third heatwave of the summer this weekend, with temperatures set to peak at 33 degrees. Yellow health warnings have also been issued for many parts of England until Tuesday, amid concern over the impact of the heat on vulnerable groups. It comes as a rapid study from Imperial College London, published this week, has found that climate change was responsible for around 1,500 deaths during the last heatwave in 12 European cities. The rapid study is the first of it's kind to estimate the number of deaths linked to climate change for a heatwave. Previous studies by members of the scientific group, World Weather Attribution at Imperial College London, have also found that climate change has increased heatwave temperatures. According to this week's study, climate change was behind 317 of the estimated excess heat deaths in Milan, 286 in Barcelona, 235 in Paris, 171 in London, 164 in Rome, 108 in Madrid, 96 in Athens, 47 in Budapest, 31 in Zagreb, 21 in Frankfurt, 21 in Lisbon and 6 in Sassari. Using historical mortality data, research on the effect of climate change on heatwave temperatures and by examining the effect of heat on daily deaths, the researchers were able to produce this rapid study. Separately, doctors at Guy's and St. Thomas' hospital in London are currently conducting a study on the effect of heatwaves on older people. Dr Mary Ní Lochlainn, Doctoral Fellow and Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine at St Thomas' Hospital, explains that it's being done as heatwaves are becoming more frequent. "We know that older people are more susceptible to the effects of heat, they're more likely to attend hospital and they're more likely to die during heatwaves but we have so little data on what actually happens to their bodies and to their behaviour", she explains. The study will collect data before, during and after heatwaves. "The idea behind what we're doing with this study is to see, are there any things that we can target in the future to protect them and keep them safe during future heatwaves because we know that we've got climate change happening and an aging population", she said.
