Session 6 : Why Climate Extremes Just Got Worse, but the Impact of Climate Change Isn’t as Bad as First Thought
Addressed recent findings in climate risk assessment. The discussion highlighted that traditional climate models have systematically underestimated the frequency of extreme events, such as floods and heatwaves. By correcting these biases, events previously considered rare (e.g., 1-in-200-year occurrences) are now understood to be more frequent (e.g., 1-in-75-year events). This recalibration suggests that while extreme events are more common than once believed, the direct impact of climate change on their frequency may be less severe than initially estimated. The session emphasized the importance of refining risk models to enhance the accuracy of climate projections and inform better preparedness strategies.