background image

Horrific Libya flooding made up to 50 times more likely by planet-warming pollution, scientists find

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below

🗞️ Driving the news: A recent scientific review indicates that human-induced climate change, along with other human factors, intensified the recent severe rainfall and subsequent flooding in Libya and other Mediterranean areas
• The World Weather Attribution initiative deduced that human-induced climate change made the deadly rainfall in Libya up to 50 times likelier and increased its intensity by 50%

🔭 The context: Over the past month, the Mediterranean experienced severe rainfall, with Storm Daniel causing significant damage and numerous fatalities, especially in Libya 
• Poor infrastructure and construction in flood-prone areas further intensified the devastation

🌎 Why it matters for the planet: This event exemplifies how human-induced climate change can amplify the severity and likelihood of extreme weather events, thus resulting in devastating impacts on societies and ecosystems
• For each 1°C rise in temperature, air can hold approximately 7% more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall

⏭️ What's next: To prevent future catastrophic events, it's imperative to develop efficient early warning systems, evacuation plans, and address climate change and infrastructure vulnerabilities
• Enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerabilities are vital to protect lives against increasing extreme weather events

💬 One quote: "Through these events, we are already seeing how climate change and human factors can combine to create compounding and cascading impacts" (Maja Vahlberg, Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre)

📈 One stat: An estimated 4,000 individuals lost their lives in Libya, with over 10,000 still missing due to the catastrophic rainfall and subsequent flooding

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)