Climate Change Could Trigger More Landslides in High Mountain Asia (NASA)

More frequent and intense rainfall events due to climate change could cause more landslides in the High Mountain Asia region of China, Tibet and Nepal, according to the first quantitative study of the link between precipitation and landslides in the region.

High Mountain Asia stores more fresh water in its snow and glaciers than any place on Earth outside the poles, and more than a billion people rely on it for drinking and irrigation. The study team used satellite estimates and modeled precipitation data to project how changing rainfall patterns in the region might affect landslide frequency.

2019, the second warmest year as confirmed by the UN

“The average global temperature has risen by about 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era and ocean heat content is at a record level,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.  

At the current trend of CO2 emission rate, we are headed towards between a 3 to 5 degree increase in temperature by the end of the century.

2019, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was 1.1°C warmer than the pre industrial era.

Only 2016 was hotter, due to a very strong El Niño which causes warming, combined with long-term climate change. 

Inaction over climate emergency ‘not an option’ says UN Assembly chief

Tijani Muhammad-Bande was addressing the International Organization for Renewable Energy High-Level meeting on the particular threat faced by Small Island Developing States, or SIDS, and their partners in development. 

“Inaction will put at risk all life on earth as we know it”

Warned the veteran Nigerian diplomat. “Inaction will only lead to more severe and extreme weather events, land degradation and deforestation, loss of biodiversity, pollution and acidification of oceans, global food insecurity as well as drought and floods.” 

“Inaction will lead to continued sea level rise, risking the displacement of 280 million people from coastal areas and islands by 2050”

— Muhammed Bande