Humans have already increased the risk of major disruptions to Pacific rainfall

Scott B. Power (), François P. D. Delage, Christine T. Y. Chung, Hua Ye and Bradley F. Murphy
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Scott B. Power: Bureau of Meteorology
François P. D. Delage: Bureau of Meteorology
Christine T. Y. Chung: Bureau of Meteorology
Hua Ye: Bureau of Meteorology
Bradley F. Murphy: Bureau of Meteorology

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Intermittent disruptions to rainfall patterns and intensity over the Pacific Ocean lasting up to ∼ 1 year have major impacts on severe weather, agricultural production, ecosystems, and disease within the Pacific, and in many countries beyond. The frequency with which major disruptions to Pacific rainfall occur has been projected to increase over the 21st century, in response to global warming caused by large 21st century greenhouse gas emissions. Here we use the latest generation of climate models to show that humans may have contributed to the major disruption that occurred in the real world during the late 20th century. We demonstrate that although marked and sustained reductions in 21st century anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions can greatly moderate the likelihood of major disruption, elevated risk of occurrence appears locked in now, and for at least the remainder of the 21st century.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14368

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