A new study recently published in Nature Climate Change reveals that abrupt, day-to-day temperature swings are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change—a distinct threat to public health.
The research, led by scientists from Nanjing University and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the Chinese mainland, shows that low to mid-latitude regions are experiencing these sharp fluctuations with growing intensity.
Tracing the Cause
Using an optimal fingerprinting technique, the team confirmed that human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver behind the trend. As global warming accelerates, natural climate variability is interacting with rising baseline temperatures to fuel more extreme daily shifts.
Looking Ahead
Under a high-emissions scenario, projections indicate that by 2100, the frequency of sudden temperature swings could climb by about 17 percent, while their total intensity could rise by 20 percent. These changes will impact areas home to more than 80 percent of the world's population, posing mounting challenges for public health systems and communities vulnerable to climate stress.
Researchers warn that policymakers and health officials need to factor in these sharper swings when planning climate adaptation and resilience strategies, ensuring that communities are better prepared for the unpredictable daily ups and downs of the planet's changing climate.
Reference(s):
Sharp swings in daily temperatures a new climate threat, study finds
cgtn.com
