Current:Home > My3 climate impacts the U.S. will see if warming goes beyond 1.5 degrees -ValueMetric
3 climate impacts the U.S. will see if warming goes beyond 1.5 degrees
View
Date:2025-04-17 08:21:47
As world leaders gather at COP28, the annual climate change negotiations held in Dubai this year, one number will be front and center: 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). That's the amount countries have agreed to limit warming to by the end of the century.
The world is already perilously close to that number. Since the Industrial Revolution, the planet has warmed by about 1.2 degrees Celsius, predominantly due to heat-trapping emissions that come from burning fossil fuels. This year is expected to be the hottest on record, with temperatures in September reaching 1.8 degrees Celsius above average.
Currently, the world is on track for just under 3 degrees Celsius of warming (more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century. While a few degrees of difference may seem small, climate research shows that every tenth of a degree can have a profound effect when it comes to the dangers posed by extreme weather.
"We're not destined for some catastrophic climate," says Deepti Singh, who is an assistant professor at Washington State University. "We know that we can have a future that is more equitable and less volatile if we limit the warming through our actions today."
Here are three climate impacts that get substantially worse in the U.S. if the world exceeds 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming.
1. At 1.5 degrees of warming worldwide, the U.S. will heat up even faster
When scientists use numbers like 1.5 degrees Celsius to measure climate change, it represents an average of all the annual temperatures worldwide. That average masks the fact that some parts of the planet are heating up faster than others.
In fact, the U.S. is warming up at a faster rate than the global average, which means the effects of climate change will be more pronounced. That difference has to do with how the extra heat is absorbed, as well as regional weather patterns. Generally, warming is happening faster on land and in the polar regions.
"The U.S. has already warmed at a rate that's higher than the global average," says Singh. "We're warming at a rate that's 60% higher than that."
2. Rainfall intensifies beyond 1.5 degrees of warming
Hurricanes and tropical storms are getting more intense as the climate warms, but they aren't the only storms affected. Even regular rainstorms are getting more extreme.
"Every time we have a heavy rainfall event, it's more likely to be even heavier than what we're typically used to seeing," says Deanna Hence, assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. "So that can mean flooding and other risks that come with those really high rainfall rates."
The air in a hotter atmosphere can hold more water vapor, which can fuel heavier rainfall. That means, beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, cities in the Midwest and Northeast will be faced with dramatically more water, which can overwhelm storm drains and infrastructure, causing flooding. Today, most cities aren't designing their infrastructure to handle more intense rain.
3. Extreme heat gets worse, meaning more hot days and fewer cold ones
Heat waves take a massive and sometimes hidden toll in the U.S., causing cardiovascular and other health impacts, in addition to deaths. Climate science shows they're already getting longer and more intense.
Nighttime temperatures are also increasing, which exacerbates the effects of a heat wave. Humans, animals and plants need recovery time from extreme daytime temperatures. Without it, health impacts and crop losses are even greater.
As the planet warms, winters will also be affected. The number of days below freezing would shrink past 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, especially in the Mountain West. That could impair the snowpack that provides a vital water source for millions of people. Warmer winters can also harm crops and increase vector-borne diseases.
veryGood! (466)
Related
- NCAA President Charlie Baker would be 'shocked' if women's tournament revenue units isn't passed
- Judge Mathis Addresses Cheating Rumors Amid Divorce From Linda Mathis
- Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden Expecting Baby No. 4
- Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia of Sweden Expecting Baby No. 4
- Charges: D'Vontaye Mitchell died after being held down for about 9 minutes
- Browns sign 20-year stadium rights deal with Huntington Bank as they position for possible new home
- Angelina Jolie gets emotional during standing ovation at Telluride Film Festival
- Simone Biles Says She's No Longer Performing This Gymnastic Move in the Most Unforgettable Way
- Man charged with murder in death of beloved Detroit-area neurosurgeon
- Kara Welsh Case: Man Arrested After Gymnast Dies During Shooting
Ranking
- FBI: California woman brought sword, whip and other weapons into Capitol during Jan. 6 riot
- Michael Kors Designer Bag Sale: Snag a $378 Crossbody for $55 & Other Under $100 Deals on Fall Styles
- Aaron Judge home run pace: Tracking all of Yankees slugger's 2024 homers
- Food inflation: As grocery prices continue to soar, see which states, cities have it worse
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Shohei Ohtani back in Anaheim: Dodgers star chases 50-50 before first postseason trip
- Ezra Frech gets his gold in 100m, sees momentum of Paralympics ramping up
- Princess Märtha Louise of Norway Marries Shaman Durek Verrett in Lavish Wedding
Recommendation
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Gwyneth Paltrow Shines a Light on Family Summer Memories With Ex Chris Martin and Their Kids
How Mia Farrow Feels About Actors Working With Ex Woody Allen After Allegations
Morgan Stickney sets record as USA swimmers flood the podium
Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
Sephora 24-Hour Flash Sale: 50% Off Ashley Graham's Self-Tanner, Madison LeCroy's Eye Cream & More Deals
Florida State coach Mike Norvell addresses 'failure' of stunning 0-2 start
Bus crashes into students and parents in eastern China, killing 11 and injuring 13, police say