Extreme weather events to become more frequent and intense due to climate change, warns expert

Extreme weather phenomena, such as intense heatwaves, are occurring with increasing frequency and severity globally, driven by climate change. Professor Kostas Synolakis, an expert in natural disasters, highlighted the scientific consensus linking these events to rising global temperatures.

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Climate change is making these phenomena much more frequent. It concerns not only heatwaves but also extreme cold episodes, which will also appear more frequently and with greater intensity.

Synolakis explained the "Omega Block" phenomenon, an atmospheric mechanism that traps warm air masses. This creates a "dome" effect, prolonging heat over affected regions. "Climate change is making these phenomena much more frequent," he stated, noting that this trend affects not only heatwaves but also extreme cold spells, which are also expected to become more common and intense.

A significant characteristic of recent European heatwaves, Synolakis observed, is their prolonged duration. While high temperatures have occurred in the past, they were neither as sustained nor as frequent as they are now. He also pointed to urban heat islands, exacerbated by increased air conditioner use and persistently high nighttime temperatures, as a particularly concerning aspect of climate change predictions.

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For millennia, we built in a way suitable for the Greek climate. In the 20th century, we threw all that away and adopted a modernism with a lot of glass and marble, which does not suit Greek conditions.

Criticizing modern Greek architecture, Synolakis argued that it has abandoned principles of traditional design adapted to the Mediterranean climate. He noted the shift towards a 20th-century modernism featuring extensive use of glass and marble, which he deems unsuitable for local conditions. This architectural style, he believes, contributes to cities lacking character and increases the climate footprint of urban areas.

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The sea is already warmer than normal for the season. If this situation continues, it could lead to stronger rainfall and more extreme weather events in the autumn.

Looking ahead, Synolakis cautioned that it is too early to make definitive predictions about the impact of El Niño on the Mediterranean. However, he noted that the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and Greece are already experiencing above-average temperatures. If this trend continues, it could lead to more intense rainfall and extreme weather events in the autumn. He also stressed the illogicality of prioritizing funding for energy upgrades over structural reinforcement of older buildings, advocating for incentives for seismic and structural improvements.

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It is illogical to finance energy upgrades and not do anything for structural and seismic protection.