Weather and climate: decoding the differences and understanding the interactions between the two natural phenomena

This fact check highlights the differences and connections between weather and climate to provide a better understanding of this complex topic.

Weather and climate – two different concepts

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• Climate is the long-term averages and variability of temperature, precipitation, wind and other weather elements over a specific period of time and in a specific region. The climate is the “big screen” on which the weather takes place.
• Weather, on the other hand, describes the short-term atmospheric conditions as they occur at a specific time and place. These include temperature, precipitation, air pressure, humidity and wind speed.

Motto: You expect climate, you get weather!

The relationship between weather and climate

Weather and climate are closely linked because weather represents the short-term fluctuations of the climate system. The climate of a region determines the likelihood of weather events such as storms, drought or snowfall. Conversely, the weather can be viewed as a snapshot of the climate. One example is the connection between global warming and weather extremes, where long-term climate change influences the occurrence of weather extremes.

Factors affecting the climate

A region's climate is determined by various factors, such as geographic location, elevation, proximity to large bodies of water, ocean currents, and the distribution of land and water. These factors affect temperature, precipitation and humidity.

Weather forecast and climate forecast

Weather forecasting is the process of predicting weather conditions for a specific time and location based on meteorological data and models. Weather forecasts are usually made for a period of hours to days. Climate forecasts, on the other hand, attempt to predict long-term changes in the climate system over years, decades or even centuries. Climate forecasts are of great importance for adapting to climate change and planning measures to reduce emissions.

Climate change and its effects on the weather

Climate change refers to long-term changes in the global climate system caused primarily by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. One of the most important consequences of climate change is the increase in extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rainfall, floods, droughts and storms. These events can have significant environmental, economic and human health impacts.

Adaptation to climate change and weather extremes

Developing strategies to adapt to climate change and reduce the vulnerability of societies, ecosystems and economic sectors is important given the increasing threat of extreme weather events. These include measures such as early warning systems, sustainable land use, flood protection and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure.

Attention: If a rare weather phenomenon occurs at the moment, you should not immediately describe it as a “sign of climate change”! Extreme weather phenomena occur far too rarely and irregularly. It's just about weather, not climate!

Fact check: truths and myths

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10 true facts:

1. Climate is the long-term average of weather conditions, while weather describes the short-term atmospheric conditions.
2. Weather and climate are closely linked because weather represents the short-term fluctuations of the climate system.
3. Geographical location, altitude, proximity to large bodies of water and ocean currents influence a region's climate.
4. Climate change refers to long-term changes in the global climate system.
5. Climate change is primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
6. One of the most important consequences of climate change is the increase in extreme weather events.
7. Weather forecasts are typically made for a period of hours to days, while climate forecasts predict long-term changes in the climate system.
8. Adaptation to climate change is crucial to managing the impacts of extreme weather events.
9. Early warning systems and sustainable land use are examples of adaptation measures to climate change.
10. The development of climate-resilient infrastructure is an important step towards reducing vulnerability to climate change and weather extremes.

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10 fake facts:

1. Weather and climate are the same.
2. The weather has no influence on the climate.
3. The Earth is not warming because of human activity.
4. Climate change is leading to fewer extreme weather events.
5. Climate change is a natural process that has nothing to do with human activity.
6. Adaptation to climate change is not necessary because the impacts are small.
7. Climate forecasts are useless because they cannot make accurate predictions.
8. Floods and droughts are not linked to climate change
9. The increase in heat waves and heavy rain events is not related to climate change.
10. Protecting ecosystems and reducing greenhouse gas emissions have no impact on future climate change.

What is climate? What is weather? Difference – Climate & Weather Basics 1

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Conclusion : Distinguishing between weather and climate and understanding their complex relationship is crucial to understanding the impacts of climate change on our planet and our society. Adapting to climate change and developing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are key challenges we must address to ensure a sustainable future for future generations.

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Sources that provide further information on weather and climate as well as climate change:

German Weather Service (DWD): The German Weather Service offers extensive information on the weather and climate in Germany and worldwide. Link: https://www.dwd.de/

Federal Environment Agency (UBA): The Federal Environment Agency is an important source of information on environmental issues in Germany, including climate change and climate protection. Link: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/klima-energie/klimafollowen-adaptation

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK): The PIK is one of the leading research institutes for climate impact research and offers many scientific publications on the subject of climate change and its effects. Link: https://www.pik-potsdam.de

Climate change – Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb): The Federal Agency for Civic Education offers information and materials on the subject of climate change and climate protection, which are aimed particularly at teachers, students and interested citizens. Link: https://www.bpb.de/gesellschaft/umwelt/klimawandel/

German Climate Consortium (DKK): The DKK is an association of research institutions in Germany that deal with climate research and climate protection. They provide scientifically based information on various aspects of climate change. Link: https://www.deutsches-klima-konsortium.de/

Climate and Energy Fund Austria: The Climate and Energy Fund Austria offers information and resources on climate change, climate protection and renewable energies in Austria. Link: https://www.klimafonds.gv.at/

MeteoSwiss: The Swiss Federal Institute for Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss) provides information on the weather and climate in Switzerland as well as on climate change and its consequences. Link: https://www.meteoschweiz.admin.ch/home/klima.html