Earth’s Weather is Getting Weirder: Here’s Why

Wherever we look, extreme weather events seem to be becoming more common. I spoke with climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe to find out what’s going on and if there is anything we can do to help.

Severe turbulence, record rainfall, killer heatwaves, and raging wildfires: Is Earth’s weather getting weirder? The answer is yes, but it’s more complex than that. While these events have happened in the past, they’re now occurring more frequently and with greater intensity.

 What’s Causing “Global Weirding”?

The uptick in extreme weather, or “global weirding,” is driven by climate change. Space.com spoke with Katharine Hayhoe to understand this surge in weird weather events and their implications for us. Earth’s climate has changed dramatically over its 4.5 billion-year history, with both warmer and colder periods. However, the current rate of change is unprecedented and poses significant risks to the living world.

 The Impact on Our Lives

“. These impacts might not always be obvious. More extreme weather events can lead to rising home insurance rates, less nutritious food, and scarcer drinking water.

To mitigate these impacts, it’s crucial to understand the causes and take collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.