Italy’s deadly floods just latest example of climate change’s all-or-nothing weather extremes
The floods that sent rivers of mud tearing through towns in Italy’s northeast are another drenching dose of climate change’s all-or-nothing weather extremes, something that has been happening around the globe, scientists say. The coastal region of Emilia-Romagna was twice struck, first by heavy rain two weeks ago on drought-parched ground that could not absorb it, overflowing riverbanks overnight, followed by this week’s deluge that killed 13 and caused billions in damages. In a changing climate, more rain is coming, but it’s falling on fewer days in less useful and more dangerous downpours.