Based on the evidence published in scientific literature so far (2012) there is now strong evidence for notably heat waves and precipitation extremes that link specific events or an increase in their numbers to the human influence on climate. For other types of extreme, such as storms, the available evidence is less conclusive, but based on observed trends and basic physical concepts it is nevertheless plausible to expect an increase.

Source: Coumou and Rahmstorf, 2012. Nature Climate Change 2: 491-496.

Photo: Jennifer Woodard (www.flickr.com)