Spatial co-localisation of extreme weather events: a clear and present danger

Rosalind J. Dodd, David R. Chadwick, Ian M. Harris, Adrian Hines, Dan Hollis, Theodoros Economou, John Scullion, John Scullion, David A. Robinson, David L. Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Extreme weather events have become a dominant feature of the narrative surrounding changes in global climate with large impacts on ecosystem stability, functioning and resilience; however, understanding of their risk of co-occurrence at the regional scale is lacking. Based on the UK Met Office’s long-term temperature and rainfall records, we present the first evidence demonstrating significant increases in the magnitude, direction of change and spatial co-localisation of extreme weather events since 1961. Combining this new understanding with land-use data sets allowed us to assess the likely consequences on future agricultural production and conservation priority areas. All land-uses are impacted by the increasing risk of at least one extreme event and conservation areas were identified as the hotspots of risk for the co-occurrence of multiple event types. Our findings provide a basis to regionally guide land-use optimisation, land management practices and regulatory actions preserving ecosystem services against multiple climate threats.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)60-72
Number of pages13
JournalEcology Letters
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2021

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