Compound events and associated impacts in China.

Area of Science:

• Climate Science
• Environmental Science
• Risk Management

Background:

• Compound events (extremes) significantly impact human society and ecosystems.
• China faces heightened vulnerability to compound events due to rapid warming, dense populations, and ecological fragility.
• Climate change is demonstrably exacerbating compound events in China, affecting economy, agriculture, public health, and infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize recent research on compound events and their impacts in China.
• To highlight the increasing frequency and intensity of various compound events across the nation.
• To propose future research directions for understanding and managing compound events.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis of recent studies on compound events in China.
• Analysis of evidence indicating trends in compound event frequency and intensity.
• Identification of key areas for future research and adaptation.

Main Results:

• Evidence indicates a rise in the frequency and intensity of multiple compound event types nationwide.
• Compound events pose increasing and difficult-to-manage threats to China's economy, agriculture, public health, and infrastructure.
• Studies show tangible effects of climate change on compound events.

Conclusions:

• Further research is crucial, focusing on a compound perspective for extremes.
• Modeling compound events within the Anthropocene is necessary.
• Quantitative risk assessments and holistic adaptation measures are essential for China.