Extreme weather events are a major focus in IB Geography when studying climate change and its impacts. Climate change does not create weather events on its own, but it increases their frequency, intensity, and unpredictability. Rising global temperatures are altering atmospheric and oceanic systems, leading to more extreme and damaging weather patterns worldwide.
One of the clearest links between climate change and extreme weather is the increase in heatwaves. Higher average global temperatures raise the likelihood of prolonged periods of extreme heat. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and lasting longer, particularly in urban areas where the urban heat island effect intensifies temperatures. These events can cause heat-related illnesses, wildfires, crop failure, and increased energy demand.
Climate change also influences precipitation patterns, making rainfall more intense in many regions. Warmer air can hold more moisture, which leads to heavier rainfall during storms. This increases the risk of flooding, especially in river basins and urban areas with limited drainage capacity. Floods can destroy homes, infrastructure, and farmland, causing long-term economic and social disruption.
At the same time, some regions are experiencing more severe droughts. Higher temperatures increase evaporation rates, drying soils and reducing water availability. Changes in atmospheric circulation can reduce rainfall in already dry regions, intensifying water scarcity. Prolonged droughts affect agriculture, reduce food security, and increase the risk of conflict over resources.
Climate change is also linked to stronger tropical storms and cyclones. Warmer sea surface temperatures provide more energy for storms, allowing them to intensify more rapidly and reach higher wind speeds. While the total number of storms may not increase significantly, the proportion of high-intensity storms is rising. These storms cause widespread damage through strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.
In IB Geography, it is important to recognise that the impacts of extreme weather are uneven. Low-income countries are often more vulnerable due to weaker infrastructure, limited emergency response systems, and greater reliance on climate-sensitive livelihoods. As a result, similar weather events can have vastly different consequences depending on location and development level.
Overall, climate change amplifies extreme weather by warming the atmosphere and oceans, disrupting established climate patterns. These changes increase the risks faced by societies and ecosystems, highlighting the need for effective adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.
RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students understand the links between climate change and extreme weather clearly, supporting strong exam explanations and confident geographical analysis.
