Two Opposite Effects of Climate Change

A Closer Look at the UK and Amazon Rainforest

As climate change advances, its effects on weather patterns and ecosystems are becoming more pronounced. Recent data highlights an increase in precipitation across the UK and severe droughts affecting the Amazon rainforest, revealing the broad spectrum of climate change impacts worldwide. Understanding these issues can help us make more sustainable choices, both in the workplace and in our daily lives, as we strive to lessen our impact on the environment.

Why Climate Change is Leading to More Rain in the UK

In recent years, the UK has seen significant changes in rainfall patterns, with more intense and frequent rain becoming a noticeable feature. The winter of 2024, for example, was the eighth wettest on record, and early spring continued this trend with England and Wales experiencing over one and a half times their usual March rainfall.

This pattern has been attributed to the warming atmosphere’s capacity to hold more moisture, which is a direct consequence of rising global temperatures. For every 1°C increase in temperature, the atmosphere’s water vapor capacity rises by about 7%, meaning that when it does rain, the downpours tend to be more intense.

Warmer weather is not the sole cause of increased rainfall, however. Shifts in global wind patterns are also at play, particularly the behaviour of the jet stream—a high-altitude air current that directs weather systems across the globe. Recently, the jet stream has been positioning more low-pressure systems, which are often associated with wet weather, over the UK.

These systems, which act like “sponges” full of water, now hold even more moisture due to climate change, resulting in heavier and prolonged rainfall when they move over land.

The impact of this increased precipitation has been striking. In September 2024, counties such as Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire recorded more than three times their average rainfall. Instead of the late-summer warmth typical of September, this year brought uncharacteristic, autumnal rains that drenched much of the UK.

As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists warn that these extreme rainfall events may become more common.

Climate Change and the Amazon: A Vital Ecosystem at Risk

While the UK contends with wetter weather, the Amazon rainforest is facing the opposite challenge: severe drought. Often called the “lungs of the planet,” the Amazon plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by absorbing massive amounts of carbon dioxide.

But rising temperatures and changing weather patterns have triggered record droughts, disrupting ecosystems, and harming communities that rely on the rivers and natural resources of the rainforest.

The Amazon’s worsening drought can be attributed to two key factors. First, less rainfall has been observed during the drier seasons, and second, hotter temperatures are causing increased evaporation from soils and plants.

Together, these factors stress the Amazon’s hydrological cycle—a system in which trees release water into the atmosphere, influencing rainfall and regulating the regional climate. As this system weakens, the rainforest becomes more susceptible to prolonged dry periods, and large portions of the Amazon are at risk of transforming into a savanna-like landscape by 2050.

The consequences of this shift are profound. As the Amazon loses its ability to capture CO₂, more carbon remains in the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. Even more concerning is the potential for the Amazon to reach a “tipping point,” at which it could become a net emitter of CO₂ rather than a CO₂ absorber.

This shift would not only intensify climate change but also trigger a feedback loop, where higher temperatures and prolonged droughts further degrade the forest, leading to more CO₂ emissions—a cycle that is difficult to reverse once it starts.

What We Can Do to Make a Difference

The interconnectedness of climate change, extreme weather, and ecosystem health emphasizes the need for sustainable decision-making. At work, and in our personal lives, every small step toward sustainability can collectively create a meaningful impact.

Here are a few ways we can contribute to a healthier environment

• Reducing Carbon Emissions**: Be mindful of energy use by turning off lights and equipment when not in use. If possible, choose renewable energy sources, which have a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels.
• Minimizing Waste**: Reduce single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. Proper waste management, especially for materials that can be recycled, contributes to less pollution and lower CO₂ emissions.
• Conserving Water**: Water conservation not only preserves a valuable resource but also reduces the energy required for water treatment and distribution. Simple actions like fixing leaks, using water-saving devices, and avoiding unnecessary water usage can make a significant difference.
• Sustainable Purchasing**: Opt for products made from sustainable materials and consider companies that prioritize environmentally friendly practices in their production.

Our collective awareness and commitment to sustainability can help mitigate the far-reaching impacts of climate change. By recognizing the signs of a changing climate, from increased rainfall in the UK to droughts in the Amazon, we are better equipped to make decisions that promote a more sustainable future.

Sources:

BBC Weather. (2024). Record-breaking rainfall and climate change: September’s story. BBC Weather. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/articles/c3gqxrnd5keo

Met Office. (2024, October). Record-breaking rainfall for some this September. Met Office Newsroom. Retrieved from https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2024/record-breaking-rainfall-for-some-this-september

Gatten, E. (2024, October). Why the UK is getting even wetter, according to scientists. iNews. Retrieved from https://inews.co.uk/news/science/uk-even-wetter-climate-change-3301830?srsltid=AfmBOorXT32umRWP_3KSiUJW0o5XWYLHAH_3UlvlTRp550ZHRbw0zZH0

Statista. (2024). Monthly rainfall in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2015 to 2024. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/584914/monthly-rainfall-in-uk/

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). (2023, October). City dwellers will face more extreme precipitation in the future. UCAR News. Retrieved from https://news.ucar.edu/132901/city-dwellers-will-face-more-extreme-precipitation-future

By Yeliz Azim – Net Zero Graduate