Climate change is making the tropics hotter
A new study finds that tropical areas often thought to be safe from the effects of climate change are actually experiencing significant changes in rainfall and extreme temperature events. The paper, "Shifting climate in Caribbean tropical forests: Long-term trends at La Selva (Costa Rica) and El Verde (Puerto Rico)," is published in PLOS Climate.
A recent study has revealed that tropical regions, often considered immune to the impacts of climate change, are experiencing significant shifts in weather patterns. Researchers examined data from La Selva research station in Costa Rica and El Verde field station in Puerto Rico, two sites known for their stable climates. Contrary to expectations, these areas have seen a rise in extreme heat days and contrasting precipitation trends.
Prior to 2024, La Selva had an average of eight hot days annually, defined as days exceeding the 95th percentile of temperatures at that location. However, this number surged to 30, indicating a sharp increase in extreme heat events. In contrast, El Verde saw a rise in dry days, from 152 to 170 per year, with no significant change in heavy precipitation events.
These findings challenge the notion that tropical areas are unaffected by global warming, highlighting the need for updated climate change models that account for these emerging trends.
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