Wed Sep 25 03:05:38 UTC 2024: ## Climate Change Doubled the Chances of Devastating Floods in Central Europe, Scientists Say
**WARSAW** – A new report by the World Weather Attribution group has concluded that climate change significantly increased the likelihood of the recent devastating floods in central Europe. The downpours caused by Storm Boris, which left 24 dead and billions of dollars in damages, were the heaviest on record for the region and at least twice as likely to occur due to global warming.
The scientists found that while the specific weather patterns leading to the storm were unusual, climate change amplified its intensity and frequency. They also highlighted that the rainfall was 7% heavier than it would have been without human-induced climate change.
“Yet again, these floods highlight the devastating results of fossil fuel-driven warming,” said Joyce Kimutai, a researcher at Imperial College London’s Grantham Institute and co-author of the study. “Until oil, gas and coal are replaced with renewable energy, storms like Boris will unleash even heavier rainfall, driving economy-crippling floods.”
The report warns that such storms, which currently occur once every 100 to 300 years, are projected to become even more frequent and intense as global temperatures rise. By the 2050s, with a 2°C increase from pre-industrial levels, these storms are expected to produce at least 5% more rain and occur 50% more often.
The study serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change. It emphasizes the devastating consequences of inaction and underscores the necessity of transitioning to renewable energy sources to avoid further intensifying extreme weather events and their devastating impacts.
First Piper 