Tropical Regions at High Risk of Extreme Weather in Next Two Decades: Study

A new study reveals that three-fourths of the global population, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, may face rapid, extreme weather changes in the next 20 years if greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly reduced. Meeting the Paris Agreement's goals could limit this impact to 20% of the population.

A recent study highlights the alarming risk of extreme weather for approximately three-fourths of the global population living in tropical and subtropical regions. This includes rapid changes in temperatures and rainfall over the next two decades, attributable to greenhouse gas emissions—the primary drivers of climate change.

The study, published by researchers at the CICERO Center for International Climate Research, underscores the importance of adhering to the Paris Agreement's emission-reduction goals. If achieved, the agreement could restrict extreme weather risks to about 20% of the world's population, or roughly 1.5 billion people.

Lead author Carley Iles from CICERO emphasized the significance of focusing on regional changes due to their direct impact on inhabitants and ecosystems, particularly in vulnerable low-income tropical regions. Co-author Laura Wilcox from the University of Reading noted the compounded effect of air pollution cleanup, which, although vital for health, may reveal the full extent of global warming's impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)