Extreme heat and climate change

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to climate change, adaptation and mitigation mechanisms, observed changes in extreme heat, their projected future changes, and how these changes correspond to that of average temperature. The science of climate change and its history is described, followed by a discussion of various types of adaptation and mitigation approaches against climate change. Historical changes in both average temperature and extreme heat and how these rates differ across various parts of the globe are discussed. Lastly, future possible changes in extreme heat are explored, and the concepts of physical climate models, future emission scenarios, and extreme event attribution are introduced. By giving an introduction to climate change and how it drives extreme heat, this chapter provides strong context for the remainder of the book.