Drought, Flood, Fire: How Climate Change Contributes to Catastrophes

Every year, droughts, floods, and fires impact hundreds of millions of people and cause massive economic losses. Climate change is making these catastrophes more dangerous. Now. Not in the future: NOW. This book describes how and why climate change is already fomenting dire consequences, and will certainly make climate disasters worse in the near future. Chris C. Funk combines the latest science with compelling stories, providing a timely, accessible, and beautifully-written synopsis of this critical topic. The book describes our unique and fragile Earth system, and the negative impacts humans are having on our support systems. It then examines recent disasters, including heat waves, extreme precipitation, hurricanes, fires, El Niños and La Niñas, and their human consequences. By clearly describing the dangerous impacts that are already occurring, Funk provides a clarion call for social change, yet also conveys the beauty and wonder of our planet, and hope for our collective future.

Chris C. Funk is an internationally renowned climate hazard scientist who develops data sets and forecasts that routinely help save lives and livelihoods around the world. His publications focus on climate and climate change, highlighting how climate science can provide opportunities for predicting natural disasters, thus helping to alleviate their dire consequences. His research has been featured in Science, on TV, in mainstream print media, and on the radio.