This website provides the projected changes of several extreme climate indices that are associated to crucial "Climate Impact Drivers" (CIDs) in selected sector. The changes of these indices were computed for different global warming levels instead of based on the conventional emission scenarios. The maps shows the changes at districts level following the GWL +2°C. User can click on the map to retrieve the changes at each of the districts for GWLs +1.5°C, +2.0°C, +3.0°C and 4.0°C.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) introduced the concept of "Climate Impact Drivers" (CIDs) to provide a structured framework for understanding and assessing the diverse and complex ways in which climate change affects natural and human systems. CIDs encompass a range of physical climate phenomena—such as extreme temperatures, heavy precipitation, droughts, sea level rise, and changes in wind patterns—that directly influence ecosystems, infrastructure, health, and socio-economic conditions. This concept is crucial for climate impact assessment because it enables a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with specific climate events.
By identifying and categorizing these drivers, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders can better understand the multifaceted nature of climate impacts, prioritize adaptation and mitigation efforts, and develop targeted strategies to enhance resilience. Additionally, the use of CIDs facilitates the communication of complex climate information in a more accessible and actionable manner, ensuring that decisions are informed by robust scientific evidence and tailored to the unique needs of different regions and sectors.
Extreme climate indices provide quantifiable measures of specific weather and climate phenomena that directly influence CIDs. These indices quantify occurrences and intensities of extreme events like heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts. By linking CIDs to these indices, scientists and policymakers can more accurately assess the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme climate events and their potential impacts.
This association enhances the understanding of how changes in extreme climate indices translate into tangible impacts on natural and human systems. For instance, an increase in the frequency of days with heavy rainfall (an extreme climate index) can be directly linked to CIDs like flooding and soil erosion, which have significant implications for infrastructure, agriculture, and communities. By analyzing trends in extreme climate indices, researchers can project future changes in CIDs and identify areas and sectors that are most vulnerable to these changes. This information is crucial for designing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies, making informed decisions, and increasing the resilience of ecosystems and societies to climate change impacts.