How should China deal with extreme climate

Extreme climate refers to weather conditions that significantly deviate from the average for a specific region. According to the World Meteorological Organization, if a particular climatic factor exceeds its historical norm by 25 times or more, or if it differs from the 30-year average by more than twice the mean square deviation, it is considered an extreme event. These anomalies can lead to severe impacts on ecosystems, infrastructure, and human activities.

1. Develop a Robust Early Warning System

With global warming increasing the frequency of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, droughts, and snowstorms, it's crucial to have effective emergency plans in place. Without proper preparedness, communities may struggle to respond to disasters, leading to widespread social issues. A well-structured emergency management system not only helps in quick response but also ensures that people are protected and supported during crises.

2. Enhance Forecasting Accuracy

Although perfect weather prediction is impossible, improving forecasting accuracy is essential. Meteorological departments should invest in advanced technology, including international numerical models, to increase the precision of forecasts. Accurate predictions provide governments with the necessary data to make informed decisions and better manage disaster risks.

3. Educate the Public

Public awareness and education on disaster prevention, self-rescue, and resilience are vital. Governments should focus on training citizens to respond effectively during emergencies. This includes educating both the general public and officials to ensure coordinated efforts during crises.

4. Promote Technological Innovation

Investing in scientific research and technological advancements is key to combating extreme weather. This includes developing better monitoring systems, early warning tools, and disaster mitigation strategies. By promoting innovation, we can reduce the impact of natural disasters and improve overall resilience.

5. Address Secondary Disasters

After major disasters, secondary risks such as landslides, flooding, and structural damage often arise. It's important to implement measures that prevent these issues and support rapid recovery. Learning from past experiences helps improve future preparedness and response strategies.

Explain: The Impact of Global Warming?

While experts do not confirm a direct link between climate change and specific extreme weather events, they agree that global warming plays a significant role. For example, after a recent torrential rainstorm in Guangzhou, experts suggested that global warming and urban heat island effects might be contributing factors.

Professor Wen Zhiping from Sun Yat-sen University noted that data trends indicate a possible connection between rising temperatures and increased rainfall. In recent years, Guangdong has experienced fewer rainy days but more intense storms, largely due to climate changes affecting air convection patterns.

Experts also observed that heavy rains in Guangdong were linked to broader atmospheric conditions, suggesting that regional weather events are influenced by larger-scale climate shifts. As a result, the need for improved meteorological forecasting and early warning systems becomes even more urgent.

Despite advances in weather science, predicting extreme events remains challenging. Short-term warnings, such as those for heavy rain or tornadoes, are limited in time, highlighting the importance of rapid response and coordination among various agencies.

Public awareness and access to timely information are critical. While multiple communication channels exist, there are still gaps in ensuring that everyone receives warnings in time. Improving information dissemination and encouraging individuals to stay informed can help reduce the impact of extreme weather events.

Overall, addressing extreme climate challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving technology, policy, education, and community engagement. By learning from past events and continuously improving our systems, we can better prepare for the future.