Climate change is taking on new forms, with scientists warning of thicker clouds without the usual warm layers, increased rain showers, and more frequent snowstorms. These climate variations are expected to impact regions globally, activating warm fronts in different areas. Recent research conducted over the past two decades has shown a drastic increase in severe natural disasters caused by climate change. Despite human efforts and advancements, the occurrence and intensity of these disasters have nearly doubled. The study examined 3,000 natural disasters worldwide and found that severe snowstorms have increased by 2.2 times during this period.

The data also reveals a doubling in the intensity of the most severe natural disasters every 20 years. Scientists have observed that the periods of warming are accelerating, exceeding their expectations. Professor Callum Kenningsham, the lead author of the study, highlights that the consequences of climate change are no longer mere speculations but are being witnessed through the exacerbation and intensification of severe natural disasters around the world.

According to the research, the areas most affected by climate change-induced natural disasters are primarily located in the Western Hemisphere, particularly Central America, as well as parts of Europe and Australia. For instance, mountainous regions in the western United States, including Alaska, Canada, and Russia, have experienced an 11-fold increase in severe snowstorms over the past two decades. The impact of these intense and frequent natural disasters on climate change is becoming increasingly complex.

It is important to recognize that these mountainous areas act as “carbon sinks,” absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and playing a crucial role in mitigating global warming. Kenningsham refers to this as the “feedback loop effect” created by the mountains on the atmosphere. As a result, more territories are at risk, posing additional threats to the climate system and overall living conditions on Earth.

Furthermore, the study underscores the urgent need for action to address climate change and its impacts. The effects of climate change are no longer distant possibilities but are already affecting communities worldwide. It is imperative that we continue to prioritize sustainability and implement measures to mitigate the severity of these disasters. Only through collective efforts can we hope to protect our planet and future generations from the devastating consequences of climate change.