Over Half (58.6%) Link Climate Change to Heat Waves and Floods

This year, July witnessed severe heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere, affecting the US, Mexico, Europe, and China, with profound implications for society. Record-breaking temperatures exceeding 50°C were recorded in Death Valley and Northwest China.

The effects of extreme weather were recorded in the US-Mexico border region, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Algeria, and China. Italy, Spain, and parts of the Southern US were under heat alerts. These heatwaves strained the power supply and damaged crops. Scientists collaborated to assess the influence of human-induced climate change on these extreme weather conditions.

Hence, Real Research, an online survey app, launched a public opinion on extreme weather events of 2023 to gauge public opinion about the extreme weather events of 2023.

Highlights:

• Nearly half the respondents (48.74%) were very concerned about the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events of 2023.
• More than half (58.6%) believed climate change contributed to harsh weather.
• 56.21% believed improving urban infrastructure to incorporate more green spaces would reduce the urban heat island effect.

The global community’s awareness of recent extreme weather events, such as the widespread heatwaves and flash floods in various regions, seems to vary, highlighting the need to address the dangers of extreme heat and flood events. According to the data, 43.42% of respondents indicated that they were well aware, while 37.42% said they were vaguely aware. A notable 19.16% of participants reported being unaware of these occurrences.

Furthermore, the survey results reflect a substantial level of concern regarding the escalating frequency and intensity of heat waves and floods around the world. A significant 48.74% of participants expressed being “very concerned,” and an additional 41.91% stated they were “concerned” about these climatic phenomena. On the other hand, 7.95% expressed being “not concerned” and a minority of 1.4% expressed being “not very concerned.”

Read Also: Survey: Perception of Global Heatwave and its Impact on Life and Health

Perspectives on Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events of 2023

Opinions on the connection between climate change and the surge in severe heatwaves and floods appear diverse. While a notable 58.6% affirmed the role of climate change in exacerbating these events, a considerable 23.61% remained unsure, and 17.79% expressed skepticism about this link.

According to Figure 2, the potential of urban planning and design, particularly the incorporation of green spaces, to mitigate the urban heat island effect received considerable support. A majority of 56.21% of respondents believed that integrating more green spaces into urban environments could help reduce this effect, while 25.05% remained unsure, and 18.74% were not convinced.

Read Also: 80% Heard of Extreme Heat Warnings Issued Caused by European Heat Waves

While assessing community preparedness for extreme weather events, the respondents reveal a mixed sentiment. While a significant 30.78% viewed their communities as “very well-prepared,” and 32.52% considered them “moderately well-prepared,” a combined 21.29% expressed various degrees of uncertainty or perceived lack of preparedness.

Support for Public Awareness Campaigns on Extreme Weather Risks

The notion of heightened public awareness and educational efforts to inform individuals about the risks posed by extreme heat and flood events garnered substantial support. A notable 58.11% of respondents believed that more public awareness campaigns and education initiatives were necessary, while 24.01% remained unsure, and 17.88% disagreed.

The significance of integrating extreme weather events into policy and governance discussions around climate change emerged prominently. A considerable 39.11% of participants indicated they “highly agreed,” and 45.38% simply “agreed” that extreme weather events should be a priority for policymakers and governments when formulating climate change strategies.

Also Read: Over 70% Are Aware of Global Policies to Reduce Climate Change