LVXXU

Chapter I: Introduction
Climate Change Impacts
A number of the manifestations of global climate change are particularly relevant to the TS&D focus of this
report. These include dramatic increases in very hot days and heat waves in many regions; a higher fraction of
rain falling in downpours in most regions (see Figure 1-6); increases in the intensity of droughts, wildfires, and
the most powerful storms in some; the shrinkage of sea ice and the thawing of permafrost in the far North; and
the rise of mean sea level.
Figure 1-6. Observed Change in Very Heavy Precipitation 67
12%
16%
71%
37%
5%
27%
11%
Change(%)
-12%