GIST researchers find the link between human activity and shifting weather patterns in western North America
GIST researchers find the link between human activity and shifting weather patterns in western North America EurekAlert
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Exploring the Shifting Winter Weather Patterns in Western North America
Introduction
Western North America is currently experiencing more frequent and extreme weather events. These changes in climate have significant implications for the region. This report will discuss the impact of human-induced climate change on Northern Hemisphere winter weather and highlight the role of specific teleconnection patterns and greenhouse gas emissions in these changes.
Background
The climate in Western North America has been rapidly changing, with events such as scorching droughts and torrential floods becoming more common. From 2011 to 2015, California and neighboring states experienced prolonged periods of drought, while 2017 saw catastrophic floods triggered by heavy rains. These events are linked to specific weather patterns that determine how weather systems move and interact across the globe. In the Northern Hemisphere, three major teleconnection patterns affect winter conditions: the Pacific North American pattern (PNA), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the North American winter dipole (NAWD). However, there is limited understanding of how these patterns change over time and their connection to climate change.
Study Findings
A group of scientists led by Professor Jin-Ho Yoon from the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology conducted a study to examine the reasons behind changes in these teleconnection patterns. Their findings, published in the journal “npj Climate and Atmospheric Science” on March 7, 2024, reveal that there is a regular influence of the NAWD on winter weather for over 70 years (1951-2020), in contrast to the fluctuating influence from PNA and minor impacts from NAO. Additionally, there has been a strengthening negative correlation between the PNA and the NAWD in recent years. This intensification of large-scale atmospheric circulation in a warming climate is expected to escalate extreme hydroclimatic events in mid-latitude regions like California near western North America.
Impact of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The study shows that greenhouse gas emissions play a significant role in driving these shifts in teleconnection patterns. By running simulations with and without the influence of greenhouse gases, the scientists observed an association between higher greenhouse gas levels and variations in the jet stream, a band-like flow of air high up in the atmosphere. The gases drive the northward drift of the Asia-Pacific jet core, contributing to the formation of potent high-pressure systems in the vicinity. This phenomenon strengthens the winter stationary wave throughout western North America. In summary, the rise in temperatures caused by greenhouse gases is changing how air moves in the atmosphere, which in turn affects the weather patterns that influence winter conditions in western North America and contribute to more frequent extreme weather events.
Conclusion
This research highlights the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on winter weather patterns in western North America. The findings emphasize the importance of sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to climate action and responsible consumption and production. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable regions from extreme weather events.
Reference
About the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)
The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is a research-oriented university located in Gwangju, South Korea. Founded in 1993, GIST is known for its strong research environment and collaboration between international and domestic research programs. The university aims to create advancements in science and technology and consistently ranks among the top universities in Korea.
Website: http://www.gist.ac.kr/
About the Authors
- Professor Jin-Ho Yoon is a Professor of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering at GIST, Korea. He earned his Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences from Iowa State University in the United States in 2004. His research focuses on deciphering and forecasting weather and climate extremes in the context of global climate change.
- Jueun Lee is a Ph.D. student at GIST, Korea, belonging to the Climate Analysis and Modeling (CAM) Laboratory. His research aims to understand changes in climate variability and predict future weather patterns.
Journal Details
- Journal: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science
- Method of Research: Computational simulation/modeling
- Subject of Research: Not applicable
- Article Title: Evolving winter atmospheric teleconnection patterns and their potential triggers across western North America
- Article Publication Date: March 7, 2024
- COI Statement: The authors declare no competing interests
Disclaimer
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the impact of human-induced climate change on winter weather patterns in western North America. This issue is directly connected to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
The article highlights the need to address climate change and its impacts on winter conditions in western North America. To achieve this, targets such as strengthening resilience, integrating climate change measures into policies, and improving education and awareness are relevant.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production
- Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, the identified targets can be measured using indicators related to the number of affected persons attributed to disasters, the establishment of integrated policies/strategies/plans, and the integration of climate change education into curricula.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters | Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production |
| Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula |
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Source: eurekalert.org
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