Extreme Weather and Climate Change: What’s the Connection?

Gr 6-9–The occurrence of extreme weather events around the world has rapidly accelerated in the 21st century. This title draws on global scientific research and expertise to examine the causal link between climate change and these weather patterns. Each chapter addresses a specific weather phenomenon, such as wildfires, extreme cold, or hurricanes, supporting each topic with recent case studies, such as the Midwestern floods of 2019 and the 2020 California wildfire season. The book makes a clear argument that climate change is linked to extreme weather; Kallen explains, for example, that warmer weather leads to higher ocean temperatures and rising sea levels that can create the ideal conditions for more destructive hurricanes and cyclones to develop. Although many examples are specific to North America, global events are also discussed, along with the different ways in which developing and industrialized nations are affected by climate change. Photographs and pull quotes enliven the text layout, while “Topic” boxes examine specific issues in greater detail, such as the economic costs of high heat and the consequences of melting permafrost. A list of books and digital resources is provided to assist further research, and the index is thorough and well designed.