Pedestrians struggle to hold onto their umbrellas as heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, poured in the southeastern port city of Busan on Aug. 10, 2020. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 15 (Korea Bizwire) — A recent study showed that carbon emissions may further exacerbate heavy showers.
The Korea Meteorological Administration and the Seoul-based APEC Climate Center revealed Tuesday the forecast for extreme rainfall throughout 26 regions in the country.
In a ‘high carbon scenario’ (SSP5-8.5), extreme rainfall will increase in strength by approximately 29 percent between now and 2040.
The amount of extreme rainfall from 2000 to 2019 stood at 187.1 to 318.4 millimeters, which will further increase by 21.4 to 174.3 mm over the next couple of decades.
In the mid-part (2041 to 2060) and the latter part (2081 to 2100) of the century, extreme rainfall will become stronger by 46 percent (56 to 334.8 mm) and 53 percent (70.8 to 311.8 mm), respectively.
Extreme rainfall will also gain strength in a ‘low carbon scenario’ (SSP1-2.6).
It has been estimated that, compared to the current era, the strength of extreme rainfall will rise by 31 percent in the early and mid-part of the century (14.4 to 162.6 mm and 29.6 to 168 mm, respectively), and by 29 percent in the latter part of the century (18.9 to 136mm) under SSP1-2.6.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
