Projected changes in extreme weather and climate events in Europe

Abstract

Extreme weather and climate events have wide ranging impacts on society as well as on biophysical systems. That society, on occasions, is unable to cope with extreme weather and climate events is concerning, especially as increases in the frequency and intensity of certain events are predicted by some global climate change projections. Extreme events come in many diff erent shapes and sizes. The multitude of extreme event types has also led to a proliferation of definitions appropriate for diff erent applications at diff erent times and places. Conceptually, climate change may lead to an alteration of extreme weather and climate events across Europe. Trends in time series of observed extreme weather and climate indices are suggestive of changes in the climatology of extreme events over Europe. This paper reviews theoretical approaches associated with the scientific assessment of extreme weather events. © World Health Organization 2005.