A man walks through a debris-covered street after flash floods hit eastern Spain on October 30, 2024. Climate scientists say global warming makes extreme rain events like it more likely.
David Ramos/Getty Images Europe
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David Ramos/Getty Images Europe
At least 205 people are dead, and dozens remain missing after flood waters and mud swept through towns and cities in Spain’s east.
It’s one of the most deadly weather events in modern Spanish history, and climate scientists see a connection to human-caused global warming.
Climate change made this week’s intense rainfall about 12% heavier and twice as likely, according to a rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution, an international network of scientists who assess the impact of climate change on major weather events.
“There is a clear climate change footprint on events like this one,” Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA who was not involved in the analysis, writes in an email.
For decades, climate scientists have warned that global warming, which is primarily caused by humans burning oil, gas and coal, would cause severe deluges.
An atmosphere made hotter by burning fossil fuels can hold more water vapor, which can make downpours more intense. The world is now at least 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than it was during the 1800s. Climate research finds a 1.3 degree temperature increase means the atmosphere can hold about 9% more moisture.
In places like Chiva, a town near Valencia, a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours, according to Spain’s meteorological agency.
“One of the clearest near-term consequences of global warming, aside from rising temperatures themselves, is an increase in the most extreme rain events,” Swain writes.
Spain’s floods also have a likely climate connection to superhot oceans, scientists say. Climate change is the main driver of record-breakingly hot oceans. When ocean waters are hotter, storms can suck up additional moisture.
An analysis from Climate Central, a nonprofit research group, finds that global warming likely increased temperatures in the part of the Atlantic Ocean where most of the moisture contained in the storm originated.
“The devastating floods in Spain are the latest example of the type of extreme climate events that scientists have been warning us about,” writes Rebecca Carter, director of climate adaptation and resilience at the nonprofit World Resources Institute, in an email.
She writes that the floods highlight the need to increase early warning systems, to get people out of harm’s way quickly. She emphasizes: “As the climate continues to be destabilized, no place can count on being spared from these types of unprecedented disasters.”
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Anna Martinez, a climate scientist and expert on extreme weather events. Dr. Martinez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for discussing the impacts of climate change, and I’m glad to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s start with the recent catastrophic floods in eastern Spain. Reports indicate that over 205 people have died, with many more missing. This marks one of the most deadly weather events in modern Spanish history. What is your take on this tragedy?
Dr. Martinez: It’s heartbreaking, and unfortunately, we are seeing more of these extreme weather events as global climate change escalates. The floods in Spain are not isolated incidents; they reflect a broader trend linked to rising global temperatures.
Interviewer: Indeed. The rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution suggests that climate change made the recent rainfall about 12% heavier and twice as likely. Could you explain how exactly climate change influences such extreme weather phenomena?
Dr. Martinez: Certainly. When fossil fuels are burned, they release greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere. This warming allows the air to hold more water vapor—about 9% more moisture for every 1 degree Celsius of temperature rise. This increase in moisture can lead to more intense downpours, contributing to the severity of events like the flooding we’re witnessing in Spain.
Interviewer: It’s alarming to think how these interactions work. You mentioned rising global temperatures; we are currently at least 1.3 degrees Celsius warmer than the 1800s. How does this specific increase relate to extreme weather patterns?
Dr. Martinez: The 1.3 degrees Celsius increase is significant. It doesn’t just mean warmer temperatures; it alters weather patterns, making storms stronger and droughts longer. The changing climate creates a scenario where we can expect more frequent and severe weather extremes. Scientific research has consistently shown this strong correlation between rising temperatures and increased weather volatility.
Interviewer: From a policy perspective, what steps can governments take to mitigate these extreme weather effects?
Dr. Martinez: The most important step is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions drastically. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, enhancing energy efficiency, and enforcing stricter regulations on emissions from industries. Additionally, investing in resilient infrastructure—like better drainage systems and sustainable urban planning—can help communities cope with such weather events.
Interviewer: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Turning toward public awareness, how can we better educate communities about the links between climate change and extreme weather events?
Dr. Martinez: Education is crucial. It starts with integrating climate science into school curricula and public discourse. We should also leverage social media and community workshops to spread awareness about how climate change impacts local weather patterns and what steps individuals can take to contribute to climate action. Engaging local leaders to share these messages can also help build a more informed community.
Interviewer: Dr. Martinez, thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that understanding the link between climate change and extreme weather is critical not just for scientists, but for policymakers and the general public as well.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you. Awareness and collective action are our best tools in addressing this global challenge.
Interviewer: That wraps up our interview. Thank you for joining us, and to our audience, let’s take this conversation forward. Combatting climate change requires all of us to be involved. Stay tuned for more insights on Time.news!