A study published on Wednesday reveals that human-induced global warming intensified an episode of flooding and extreme heat in eastern China in 2020. Researchers note that warming caused by human activity increased rainfall that summer by approximately 6.5% and raised temperatures by about one degree Celsius.
During June and July, record rainfall in the lower Yangtze River basin during the monsoon resulted in the tragic loss of over 100 lives and billions of dollars in damages. Simultaneously, the southern part of the country experienced extreme heat, putting pressure on health systems, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, highlights the physical connection between heat and precipitation phenomena. Researchers modeled climatic conditions before and during the events, comparing scenarios with and without human-induced warming.
They warn of future climatic events, projecting a 14% increase in precipitation by the end of the century compared to 2020, coupled with a possible rise of 2.1 ºC in seasonal temperatures. The results underscore the need to prepare for more extreme weather events that could cause greater economic damage and loss of life in eastern China.