Assessing the risk of abrupt climate changes resulting from cumulative emissions and their effect on the occurrence of extreme events

Human influence on current climate change is now unequivocal. The rate of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continues to increase, and climate models and observations show that climate changes are accelerating in response to these emissions. In this context, the rate of the current climate change strongly modifies the frequency and the intensity of extreme events, such as droughts, heat waves or extreme precipitation. Strong rates of GHG emissions can cause a destabilization of a component of the climate system (e.g. the sudden melt of the Arctic sea ice), a phenomenon referred to as an abrupt change. The aim of this internship is to create a catalogue of changes in the characteristics of climate events (mainly extremes, their intensity, their duration and their frequency) due to an abrupt change. The project aims to create new tools for the partner organization to meet the different challenges of local and national policy-makers and private companies regarding climate change. A focus will be specifically conducted over the Eastern part of Canada (mainly Quebec, maritime regions and the eastern part of Ontario).

Faculty Supervisor:

Damon Matthews

Student:

Yann Chavaillaz

Partner:

Ouranos Inc

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

Program: