Earth Sciences

Increasing global precipitation whiplash due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions

X. Tan, X. Wu, et al.

This research investigates the alarming rise in global precipitation whiplash, revealing a projected increase in frequency by over two and a half times by the century's end. Driven primarily by anthropogenic greenhouse gases, these extreme shifts pose significant risks. Conducted by Xuezhi Tan, Xinxin Wu, Zegin Huang, Jianyu Fu, Xuejin Tan, Simin Deng, Yaxin Liu, Thian Yew Gan, and Bingjun Liu.

00:00

Playback language: English

Index

Abstract

Precipitation whiplash, characterized by abrupt shifts between wet and dry extremes, poses significant risks. This study quantifies observed and projected changes in sub-seasonal precipitation whiplash, investigating the role of anthropogenic influences. Results project a 2.56 ± 0.16 times higher frequency of global precipitation whiplash by the end of the 21st century, with faster and more intense transitions. Anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the primary driver, projected to increase whiplash occurrences by 55 ± 4% by 2079, while aerosols have a counterbalancing effect.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

May 18, 2023

Authors

Xuezhi Tan, Xinxin Wu, Zegin Huang, Jianyu Fu, Xuejin Tan, Simin Deng, Yaxin Liu, Thian Yew Gan, Bingjun Liu

Related Publications

Explore these studies to deepen your understanding of the subject.

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Quantifying Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Human Deaths to Guide Energy Policy

J. M. Pearce and R. Parncutt

Agriculture

Agricultural subsidies and global greenhouse gas emissions

D. Laborde, A. Mamun, et al.

Environmental Studies and Forestry

A behaviour change strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international scientific conferences and meetings

D. A. Richards, F. Bellon, et al.

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Substantial and increasing global losses of timber-producing forest due to wildfires

C. G. Bousfield, D. B. Lindenmayer, et al.

Listen, Learn & Level Up

Over 10,000 hours of research content in 25+ fields, available in 12+ languages.

No more digging through PDFs, just hit play and absorb the world's latest research in your language, on your time.

listen to research audio papers with researchbunny