We haven't seen how bad extreme weather could get

The rapid warming of the Earth's climate, primarily due to fossil fuel emissions, is altering the range of possible weather events, including extreme weather. Traditionally, climate is assessed over 30-year periods, but the current pace of climate change means that past data may no longer accurately represent present conditions. For instance, global average temperatures have risen by approximately 0.2°C per decade over the last 30 years, making the climate of 1991 significantly cooler than that of 2020. This shift implies that extreme weather events we have yet to experience could become more common as the climate continues to change.

Meteorologists note that extreme weather requires specific conditions, which are becoming increasingly rare due to the changing climate. Recent examples include the unprecedented heatwaves in North America and the UK, where temperatures exceeded previous records. Scientists utilize ensemble modeling to predict potential extreme weather scenarios, revealing that conditions previously deemed impossible are now plausible. Although summer 2024 in the UK has been relatively cool, the overall trend indicates that extreme weather events may become more frequent and severe in the future. The current climate situation serves as a warning that society may not be adequately prepared for the extreme weather that could arise as climate change progresses.