Today’s Climate Change Poster Collection features the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. It is a global phenomenon that has captured the attention of scientists, policy makers, and the general public in recent years. These events, including cyclones, tornadoes, blizzards, heatwaves, heavy rain, and droughts, epitomize severe or unusual weather conditions that naturally occur in various climates. However, the escalating frequency and intensity of these events, particularly in the last half-century, can be traced back to the prevailing force of climate change, resulting in significant economic and human losses.

In the world of extreme weather, heatwaves and droughts stand out as the deadliest and most common forms. Surprisingly, these weather extremes cause more annual deaths than floods, storms, and tornadoes combined. A factor contributing to this high fatality count is the widespread impact of these events, affecting vastly populated areas and lasting for extended periods.

As per the forecasts of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the 21st century is set to experience an upsurge in the frequency and severity of some types of extreme weather due to global warming. This projection paints a grim picture for the world, particularly for sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and human health which bear the brunt of these weather extremes. The fallout from these events can lead to the displacement of people, especially in developing countries with less capacity to adapt to these changes.

A case in point is the United States, which according to the USDA Climate Hubs, is witnessing an upswing in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change. Droughts, floods, storms, and heatwaves in the country have significant impacts on agricultural production, forests, and rural economies.

To help manage these risks, the USDA Climate Hubs provide crucial science-based information, decision support tools, assessments, and adaptation strategies. These resources are designed to assist farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in navigating the challenges associated with extreme weather events and adapting to the evolving climate conditions. As we brace ourselves for a future of intensified extreme weather events, proactive measures like these will be critical in mitigating their impacts and ensuring the resilience of our communities and economies.

Discover an inspiring collection of climate change posters.