You’ve probably heard of a 100-year storm, or “Storm of the Century.”
But those events seem to be happening more frequently than every century.
In June 2022, Yellowstone National Park in the United States saw a 1000-year flooding event. Above-average rainfall combined with above-average temperatures led to above-average snowmelt. More than 10,000 people in the park were evacuated. The toll on wildlife is unknown at this writing.
Climate change means living with extremes: flooding or droughts; heat waves or extreme cold; stronger hurricanes and more frequent tornadoes.
Climate change does not follow a linear course to warmer weather. Climate change, caused by excessive greenhouse gas emissions, causes extreme and unpredictable weather events. These weather events cause loss of life to people and animals, increased violence, and damage to property.
“Storm of the Century” is an outdated term. “Extreme weather event caused by climate change,” may be the more accurate nomenclature.
If you know someone who is interested in this topic, please share this email and start a conversation about what extreme weather events would mean for your community.