By MD Humayain Kabir, Beahrs ELP 2023) – Climate Scientist, Austria

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Born in a climate vulnerable country named Bangladesh, I am familiar with the weather and climate extremes from my childhood. In 1988, when I was only 3 years old, the country faced severe flooding which affected almost the whole country and I witnessed the disastrous effects of extensive flooding. After finishing high school, I was so fascinated about studying Environmental Science. Subsequently, I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental science from the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong in Bangladesh. I decided to build my future career as a researcher and submitted my thesis on climate change issues in Bangladesh. Just after graduation, I have the golden opportunity to teach in the same institute as a Lecturer of Environmental Science where I taught Coastal Zone Management, Climate Change and Atmospheric Sciences, Water Resources Management, and Disaster Management. During my early academic career, as a Commonwealth Scholar, I obtained my second master’s degree in Climate Change from the University of East Anglia, UK. As a part of this degree, I conducted research on flood risk modelling in the East Anglian region of the UK in the context of climate change. Since then, I devoted myself to doing research in the domain of weather and climate extreme events. As an academic leader, I get connected with environmental activists, and climate leaders globally. My ongoing interdisciplinary PhD programme in climate change has widened my scientific understanding and international network to work as a climate leader. In addition, my PhD research on understanding extreme weather and climate events and its impact on ecosystems in the European scale acts as an eye-opener to become a climate activist and climate action fellow.

Now, not only my home country but also the whole world is affected by weather and climate extremes, and the frequency and intensity of these extreme events have been increasing over the last decades. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights that Earth's climate is undergoing significant changes across regions and throughout the entire climate system. This report predicts that within the next two decades, global temperatures are poised to rise by 1.5°C or more, with approximately 1.1°C of this warming attributed to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions since the period of 1850–1900. The extent of global warming significantly impacts various aspects of the climate system, for instance, the Arctic is warming at a rate more than double the global average. As per the analysis, all regions are expected to undergo heightened climate changes over the upcoming decades. These changes encompass more frequent heatwaves, extended warm seasons, and shortened cold periods with a 1.5°C temperature rise. A 2°C increase in global temperatures would lead to more frequent instances of extreme heat, crossing vital thresholds for agricultural productivity and public health.

This summer, in the initial days of June 2023, global-mean surface air temperatures reached unprecedented levels according to the ERA5 data series, following an exceptionally warm May for sea-surface temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization's report indicates a 66% probability that the average global temperature from 2023 to 2027 will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for at least one year. These findings underscore the faster-than-anticipated rise in average global temperatures as noted by climate researchers. After that, July 2023 was the hottest month since 1880. This summertime extreme event allows warm air to accumulate under a high-pressure system, leading to stable and dry conditions. Besides, advection, which involves transporting hot air from one region to another, such as from northern Africa to Europe, can also contribute to heatwaves. Scientists claimed that human activity is directly responsible for shifts in the oceans, including warming, heightened occurrences of marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and reduced oxygen levels. It is predicted that these lasting changes will affect ocean ecosystems and the communities reliant on them throughout this century. 

It is alarming that these extreme temperatures are expected to persist for several months to years due to El Niño effects. Consequently, understanding heat stress—how the environment impacts the human body considering factors like temperature, humidity, and wind speed—is crucial. Similar patterns are emerging in the US and South Asia, leading to significant losses in life and property. Clearly, the impact of extreme weather events is intensifying. Most recently, analysis by the NASA Earth Exchange of high-resolution climate projections concludes that, if global temperatures keep rising and reach 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels, people worldwide could face multiple impacts of climate change simultaneously, with serious consequences.

Other projections indicate that global warming exceeding 1.5°C is highly likely in the coming decades. To restrain warming to 1.5°C or 2°C, substantial, swift, and widespread reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are imperative. A collective effort spanning human society and the natural climate system is indispensable. In the current context of record-breaking summer heat, the United States Environmental Protection Agency suggests to urban residents to adopt several precautionary measures: 

1. Advance preparation is key for extreme heat events. Each spring, ensuring that household fans, air conditioning units, and cooling systems are functional is important. Compile a list of individuals who might need assistance during such events, and identify the nearest cooling centers.
2. Those working outdoors or in physically demanding jobs without air conditioning should establish emergency teams and devise heatwave risk management plans. This approach should extend to children's schools as well.
3. Green roofs—vegetation-covered rooftops—offer shade and cooling effects, lowering roof and surrounding air temperatures. Especially valuable in cities to counter urban heat islands, they are viable for various building types.
4. Cool roofs are made of materials that reflect sunlight and heat, reducing rooftop temperatures. This minimizes the need for air conditioning during hot periods, enhancing comfort.
5. Trees and vegetation that provide shade for homes can lower ambient temperatures, reducing reliance on air conditioning and enhancing comfort. Trees also contribute to improved air quality, cooling outdoor spaces, and reducing sun exposure.
6. Limit direct sun exposure, stay hydrated, opt for light, easily digestible foods, and wear loose, light-colored clothing.

Overall, proactive measures at individual, community, and policy levels are pivotal in mitigating the effects of rising temperatures and extreme weather events. Let’s act together and every action matters.