Additional Notes / Climate Records & Events

Wildfires

Australia, 2019-2020: The 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season, also known as the Black Summer, resulted in widespread devastation across the country. It was one of the most severe fire seasons on record, burning millions of hectares of land, destroying thousands of homes, and causing significant loss of life, both human and wildlife.

California, United States, 2020: In 2020, California experienced one of its most active and destructive wildfire seasons in history. Notable wildfires include the August Complex Fire, which became the largest wildfire in California's recorded history, burning over 1 million acres.

Amazon Rainforest, 2019: The Amazon rainforest experienced an unprecedented surge in wildfires in 2019, drawing global attention to the issue of deforestation and environmental conservation. The fires were primarily caused by land-clearing activities, agricultural expansion, and illegal logging.

Siberia, Russia, 2021: In 2021, Siberia witnessed a series of massive wildfires that ravaged vast areas of forest and tundra. The fires were fueled by record-breaking temperatures and dry conditions, exacerbated by climate change.

Greece, 2007: The 2007 Greek wildfires were a series of devastating wildfires that swept through southern Greece, particularly in the Peloponnese region and the island of Evia. The fires claimed the lives of dozens of people and caused extensive damage to property and natural habitats.

Hurricanes

The Atlantic produced an all-time high of 30 hurricanes and tropical storms in 2020. 9 of the top 10 most costly hurricanes have all occurred since 2004. Of the top 10 strongest hurricanes recorded 6 have all correct since 2004

Hurricane Allen, 1980: With maximum sustained winds reaching 190 mph (305 km/h), Hurricane Allen holds the record for the strongest Atlantic hurricane by wind speed.

Hurricane Dorian, 2019: Dorian tied with the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 for the second-highest maximum sustained wind speed in the Atlantic basin, reaching 185 mph (295 km/h).

Labor Day Hurricane, 1935: The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 struck the Florida Keys with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), making it one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded.

Hurricane Irma, 2017: Irma tied with Hurricane Dorian for the second-highest maximum sustained wind speed in the Atlantic basin, reaching 185 mph (295 km/h). It caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean and southeastern United States.

Hurricane Gilbert, 1988: Gilbert reached maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h) in the Caribbean, making it one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin.

Hurricane Wilma, 2005: Wilma reached maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h) in the Caribbean, becoming the most intense hurricane on record in the Atlantic basin based on central pressure.

Hurricane Mitch, 1998: Mitch reached maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (285 km/h) in the Caribbean, causing catastrophic flooding and landslides in Central America.

8. Hurricane Rita, 2005: Rita reached maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (285 km/h) in the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin.

Hurricane Irma, 2017: Irma also tied with Hurricane Dorian for the second-highest maximum sustained wind speed in the Atlantic basin, reaching 180 mph (285 km/h).

Hurricane Dorian, 2019: Dorian tied with Hurricane Irma and the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 for the tenth spot on the list, with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (285 km/h).

Hurricane Costs

All of the most costly hurricanes under contemporary (2017) societal conditions have all occurred in the recent past. As the results of the Pielke / Landsea study do not extend beyond 2017, the normalized damage data, is not available beyond that year. The data below is based on 2017 price levels in USD:

Hurricane Katrina (2005) - Estimated cost: $170 billion

Hurricane Harvey (2017) - Estimated cost: $131 billion

Hurricane Ian (2022) - Estimate cost: $113 billion

Hurricane Andrew (1992) - Estimated cost: $106 billion

Hurricane Maria (2017) - Estimated cost: $94 billion

Hurricane Ida (2021) - Estimated cost: $75 billion

Hurricane Sandy (2012) - Estimated cost: $73.5 billion

Hurricane Irma (2017) - Estimated cost: $52 billion

Hurricane Ike (2008) - Estimated cost: $36 billion

Hurricane Ivan (2004) - Estimated cost: $27 billion

Hurricane Wilma (2005) - Estimated cost: $25 billion

Hurricane Rita (2005) - Estimated cost: $24 billion

Extreme Heat

Europe, 2003: The European heatwave of 2003 is considered one of the deadliest and most severe heatwaves in recorded history. It affected much of Western Europe, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. The heatwave led to tens of thousands of excess deaths across the continent, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Russia, 2010: The Russian heatwave of 2010 was an extreme weather event characterized by scorching temperatures and prolonged drought conditions. It affected large parts of Russia, including Moscow, where temperatures exceeded 40°C (104°F) for an extended period. The heatwave triggered widespread wildfires, crop failures, and health emergencies, resulting in significant economic and environmental damage.

Australia, 2019-2020: Australia experienced a prolonged and intense heatwave during the 2019-2020 summer season. Record-breaking temperatures were recorded across the country, leading to widespread bushfires, heat-related illnesses, and stress on infrastructure and resources. The heatwave exacerbated the country's ongoing drought conditions and environmental challenges.

India, 2015: In 2015, India experienced a severe heatwave that affected millions of people across the country. Temperatures soared above 45°C (113°F) in many regions, particularly in the central and southern parts of the country. The heatwave led to thousands of heat-related deaths, strained energy and water resources, and disrupted agricultural activities.

United States, Dust Bowl Era (1930s): The Dust Bowl era of the 1930s brought extreme heatwaves and drought conditions to the central and southern United States. The combination of high temperatures, lack of rainfall, and wind erosion contributed to the environmental and agricultural disaster known as the Dust Bowl. The heatwaves during this period were among the most severe in U.S. history.

Middle East, 2020: Several countries in the Middle East experienced record-breaking heatwaves in 2020. Temperatures soared above 50°C (122°F) in some areas, leading to heat-related fatalities, power outages, and disruptions to daily life. The extreme heatwave highlighted the region's vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for adaptation measures.

Japan, 2018: Japan endured a deadly heatwave in the summer of 2018, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in many parts of the country. The prolonged heatwave resulted in thousands of heat-related deaths, overwhelmed medical facilities, and prompted calls for improved heat resilience and public health interventions.

Pakistan, 2015: Pakistan experienced a severe heatwave in 2015, with temperatures surpassing 45°C (113°F) in several cities, including Karachi. The heatwave led to thousands of deaths and overwhelmed healthcare services, highlighting the country's vulnerability to extreme heat events.

Canada, 2021: In June 2021, Canada experienced an unprecedented heatwave that shattered temperature records across the country. Parts of British Columbia reached temperatures exceeding 49°C (120°F), leading to hundreds of deaths and widespread impacts on infrastructure, agriculture, and public health.

China, 2013: Eastern China endured a prolonged and intense heatwave in the summer of 2013, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in many areas. The heatwave caused dozens of heat-related deaths, strained energy and water resources, and disrupted transportation and agricultural activities.

Ice Loss

We are experiencing record ice loss in the Arctic. Record Arctic and Antarctic ice loss events are typically measured by the extent or volume of ice loss over a specific period. Here are some notable events in recent years:

Arctic:

Arctic Sea Ice Minimum Extent, 2012: In September 2012, Arctic sea ice reached its lowest extent on record since satellite observations began in the late 1970s. The extent of sea ice cover dropped to 3.41 million square kilometers (1.32 million square miles), significantly below the previous record low set in 2007.

Arctic Sea Ice Volume, 2020: In September 2020, Arctic sea ice reached its second-lowest volume on record, according to data from the European Space Agency's CryoSat-2 satellite. The volume of Arctic sea ice has been declining steadily over the past few decades, with 2020 ranking among the lowest years on record.

Antarctic:

Antarctic Ice Loss, 2002-2005: Between 2002 and 2005, Antarctica experienced a period of significant ice loss, particularly from the Antarctic Peninsula and West Antarctica. Satellite observations and research studies revealed accelerated melting of glaciers and ice shelves, contributing to rising sea levels.

Larsen C Ice Shelf Calving, 2017: In July 2017, a massive iceberg, known as A-68, calved from the Larsen C Ice Shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula. The iceberg was one of the largest ever recorded, with an area of over 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles). The calving event highlighted the vulnerability of Antarctic ice shelves to warming temperatures and ocean currents.

Thwaites Glacier Retreat, ongoing: The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica has been experiencing significant retreat and thinning in recent decades. Scientists are closely monitoring the glacier due to concerns about its potential contribution to sea-level rise. Rapid melting of glaciers and ice shelves in West Antarctica could have profound implications for global sea levels and coastal communities.

These events underscore the ongoing changes occurring in the Arctic and Antarctic regions due to climate change. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and oceanic influences are driving accelerated ice loss in polar regions, with consequences for global sea levels, ocean circulation, and ecosystems. Continued monitoring and research are essential for understanding and mitigating the impacts of polar ice loss on a changing climate.

Agriculture Impacts

Agricultural die-off events and crop losses can occur due to various factors such as extreme weather events, pests and diseases, soil degradation, and climate change. While it's challenging to provide an exhaustive list, here are some notable events in recent years:

Drought in California, United States (2012-2016): California experienced a severe drought from 2012 to 2016, which significantly impacted agriculture in the state. Crop losses were widespread, particularly for water-intensive crops such as almonds, grapes, and tomatoes. The drought also led to groundwater depletion and increased wildfires, further exacerbating agricultural challenges.

European Heatwave and Drought (2018): A prolonged heatwave and drought in Europe during the summer of 2018 resulted in significant crop losses across the continent. Countries such as Germany, France, and Spain experienced declines in yields of wheat, barley, and other cereal crops. The extreme weather conditions also affected livestock and led to water shortages for irrigation.

Australian Bushfires (2019-2020): The unprecedented bushfire season in Australia during the 2019-2020 summer caused extensive damage to agricultural land and livestock. Crop losses occurred due to direct fire damage, smoke exposure, and heat stress. The fires also disrupted transportation networks and agricultural supply chains, affecting food production and distribution.

Fall Armyworm Outbreak in Africa (ongoing): The invasive pest known as fall armyworm has caused widespread damage to maize and other crops across Africa since its arrival in the region in 2016. The pest has spread rapidly, leading to significant crop losses and threatening food security in many countries. Efforts to control the spread of fall armyworm and mitigate its impacts on agriculture are ongoing.

Banana Fusarium Wilt (Panama Disease): Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is a devastating disease affecting banana crops worldwide. Several outbreaks of Fusarium wilt have occurred in recent decades, leading to significant losses in banana production and threatening the viability of commercial banana cultivation in affected regions.

East Africa Locust Outbreak (2019-2021): East Africa experienced one of the worst desert locust outbreaks in decades, beginning in late 2019 and continuing into 2021. The swarms of locusts devoured crops and vegetation across several countries, causing widespread crop losses and threatening food security in the region.

These are just a few examples of agricultural die-off events and crop losses that have occurred in recent years. Climate change, invasive pests and diseases, and other environmental factors contribute to the vulnerability of agriculture to such events, highlighting the need for resilient and sustainable farming practices.