Deadly Floods in Spain Highlight Climate Change's Role in Extreme Weather

Climate experts attribute increased rainfall intensity and frequency in Spain to global warming, exacerbating the recent catastrophic floods.

At least 158 people have died in southeastern Spain following intense rains attributed to climate change, according to the World Weather Attribution consortium.
The floods, which delivered a year's worth of rain in a single day, were intensified by a warming atmosphere that holds more moisture, resulting in heavier downpours.
Experts warn that the warming of the Atlantic Ocean has made such extreme weather events 50 to 300 times more likely.
Over the past two decades, climate change has contributed to over 570,000 deaths worldwide from extreme weather events, with the trend expected to worsen if fossil fuel use continues.
Calls are growing for urgent transition to renewable energy and improved infrastructure to better prepare for increasingly severe weather conditions.