The number of weather-related disasters has increased five-fold over the last half century, according to the World Meteorological Organization, and scientists say that a cause is climate change. See story on BBC News.

Dr Morten Fibieger Byskov, from the Department of Politics and International Studies, shares his thoughts:

“The increase in extreme weather events over the past decades threatens the lives, livelihoods, and well-being of millions of people around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

"In light of the recent IPCC reports that these trends are unlikely to be reversed - meaning that we are heading towards inevitable and irreversible climate change - it raises the question: to what extent should we start preparing for a future where we will be living with constant climate risks? And, if so, what does that entail for current climate policy: should we abandon or down-prioritise mitigation in favour of dedicating more resources to ensuring that communities are more resilient and adaptable to climate change?”

1 September 2021

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