Recent rains in UK and Ireland 10 times more likely to be due to climate change, study finds

Human-caused climate change has made recent torrential rain in the UK and Ireland 10 times more likely and 20% wetter, new research suggests. A study by an international team of scientists used climate models to simulate what would happen to the weather if humans did not cause climate change. They found that recent rains would have been much less likely and severe in a world without climate change.

The study also found that winter downpours are expected to become 20% more intense and occur every three years without urgent measures to reduce carbon emissions. This means that the UK and Ireland could face more frequent and severe flooding in the future.

The results of the study are a stark reminder of the need to take action on climate change. The UK and Ireland have already committed to reducing their carbon emissions to zero by 2050 but more needs to be done to meet this target.

What can be done to reduce the risk of extreme weather events?

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of extreme weather events, such as:

Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels: Fossil fuels are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, so switching to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is essential.

Improving energy efficiency: We can reduce energy consumption by making our homes and businesses more energy efficient. This includes things like insulating our homes, using energy-saving appliances and driving more fuel-efficient cars.

Protecting our forests: Forests play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We need to protect existing forests and plant new ones.

Adapting to the effects of climate change: Even if we take steps to reduce emissions, some climate change is already happening. We need to adapt to the effects of climate change, for example by building levees to protect coastal communities from flooding.

It is time to act against climate change. The longer we wait, the stronger the effects of climate change will be.

In addition to the points above, here are some additional things people can do to help reduce their carbon footprint:

Eat less meat: Meat production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing meat consumption can help reduce your carbon footprint.

Avoid waste: Food waste is a serious problem, and it contributes to climate change. Composting food scraps and recycling other waste can help reduce your impact on the environment.

Buy local: Buying locally produced food and goods can help reduce your carbon footprint from transportation.

Walk, bike, or take public transportation: Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Walking, biking, or using public transportation can help reduce your carbon footprint.

Save energy: Turn off lights and electronics when you're not using them, and turn off appliances that aren't in use.

By taking these steps, we can all help reduce our impact on the environment and fight climate change.