Surface Wind Speed Change
The main cause of wind is differential heating, or the difference in temperature between different areas. The impact of global warming on surface wind speeds is an active area of research. Winds across much of North America, Europe and Asia have been growing faster since about 2010. Prior to 2010, observations indicated that surface wind speed had decreased in numerous sites around the globe for decades. Changes in wind speed can have far-reaching implications, such as on the rate of evaporation.
Read MoreFeb 6, 2020 | Nature Climate Change
A reversal in global terrestrial stilling and its implications for wind energy production
May 18, 2016 | Doklady Earth Sciences
Blockings in the Northern Hemisphere and Euro-Atlantic region: Estimates of changes from reanalyses data and model simulations
May 18, 2016 | Nature Geoscience
Northern Hemisphere atmospheric stilling partly attributed to an increase in surface roughness
Earth Systems Signals
Global warming is causing widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere.
Heat Signals
The Earth is getting hotter due to human activities that release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere.
Drought Signals
Climate change is making droughts more likely to occur, and more severe when they do.
Wildfires Signals
Climate change is increasing the size, frequency, intensity and seasonality of wildfires.
Hurricanes Signals
Warmer temperatures increase the rate of water evaporation, which feeds moisture and energy into storms.
Floods Signals
Worsening floods due to climate change are putting a growing number of communities at risk.