Acute versus Chronic? with examples
- EcoVision
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Acute Climate Hazards
Acute climate hazards are sudden, short‑term extreme weather events caused or intensified by climate change.
They occur rapidly and can cause immediate damage.
Examples: heatwaves, cyclones, flash floods, hurricanes, wildfires, storm surges.
Chronic Climate Hazards
Chronic climate hazards are long‑term, gradual climate‑related shifts that build up over time and progressively impact ecosystems, infrastructure, and economies.
Examples: rising sea levels, long‑term temperature increase, prolonged drought, desertification, biodiversity loss.
Acute Climate Hazard Examples (Recent)
• Extreme heatwaves across Europe (2023–2024)
• Cyclone Mocha hitting Myanmar and Bangladesh (2023)
• Deadly flash floods in Pakistan and northern India (2022–2023)
• Wildfires in Canada and Greece (2023)
• Hurricane Ian in the United States (2022)
Chronic Climate Hazard Examples (Recent)
• Rising sea levels affecting coastal cities such as Miami, Jakarta, and Bangkok
• Ongoing multi‑year drought in East Africa
• Melting glaciers in the Himalayas and Arctic
• Persistent desertification across the Sahel region
• Long‑term ocean warming and coral bleaching worldwide
How Climate Hazards Are Measured
Climate hazards are measured using scientific data and indicators that track intensity, frequency, and long‑term trends.
Common measurements include:
• Temperature (°C) – for heatwaves, long‑term warming
• Rainfall volume (mm) – for floods, storms, heavy rainfall
• Wind speed (km/h) – for cyclones and hurricanes
• Sea‑level rise (cm) – for coastal flooding and erosion
• Drought index (SPI, PDSI) – for long‑term water shortages
• Fire danger index – for wildfire risk
• Ocean temperature (°C anomaly) – for marine heatwaves
We can discuss about the intensity category and measurement model later in our blog.
Stay tuned!
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