The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued its first report about the phenomenon in 2015. Since then, significant climate change events have been occurring worldwide every year. These would include heat waves, cold snaps, droughts, and ice storms. 

The report, which was published in early June, concluded that extreme weather events in 2021 will be much more dramatic than ever before and will include flooding over large stretches of coastline worldwide – from Florida to Thailand. And this is just a tiny sample of what might very well turn out to be non-stop extreme weather conditions.

What is an extreme weather event? 

One of the most visible consequences of a warming world is an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. The National Climate Assessment notes that the number of significant heat waves, downpours, and hurricanes in the United States has increased, and so has the severity of these events.

But what exactly are extreme weather events? Extreme weather includes unexpected, unusual, unpredictable, or out-of-season weather and climate at the extremes of historical distribution observed in the past. Extreme weather events include heat waves, droughts, downpours, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

According to a new report by the United Nations, the number of extreme weather events has dramatically increased in the past 20 years, mainly due to rising global temperatures and other climate changes. From 2000 to 2019, 7,348 major natural disasters occurred globally, causing 1.23 million deaths and global economic losses of $2.97 trillion. 

Extreme weather events in 2021

This year alone, we saw the combination of increased summer temperatures and a lack of rainfall (from climate change), resulting in record fires across Australia. These fires lead to pollution levels surpassing the highest recorded levels from 2010, causing health problems for millions living in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and those living along nearby coastlines with smoke particles being blown offshore.

What’s most unsettling is that extreme weather events have continued into the year and have become more frequent. In May, a massive cyclone hit India, affecting millions of people who live in coastal villages without adequate warning due to increased extreme weather events worldwide. Hundreds were injured and thousands displaced across eastern India by heavy winds, rain, lightning strikes, tidal surges, and flooding. The storm also affected Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.

In the United States, the most recent extreme weather event was the record heatwave in the Pacific Northwest, killing hundreds of people across Portland, Seattle, and Canada. The heatwave continues and is set to move inland, affecting many states around the country in the upcoming weeks. 

Experts have pointed out that global warming and climate change will affect all parts of the planet in the years to come. Still, we remain hopeful that humanity can come together to collectively lower carbon emissions. 

What you can do at home to make a difference in your local environment

Here are some ideas. 

• Monitor your energy and water consumption at home with PowerX and become proactive in managing waste with actionable solutions to make your home more energy-efficient. You'll save money while doing something great for the environment!  
• Turn off the light when not needed, use natural lighting whenever possible, and turn off any unnecessary electronics. This will reduce energy consumption which is good for our planet. 
• Install low-flow showerheads that cut down on water usage wherever possible. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and available at most hardware stores or online. 

You’ve heard it before; climate change and global warming are contributing to extreme weather events all around the world.

Check out the PowerX Suite today to learn more about what you can do at home to reduce energy use and save money while lowering climate-changing emissions.