Extreme Weather and Ecosystem Change

The Issue 

Even small fluctuations in the air’s temperature can increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and change the local ecosystem. Some areas may experience increased flooding events from hurricanes and other hydrometeorological events, while other areas facing increased aridity and drought conditions are more prone to wildfires and dust storms. These changes not only motivate humans to leave their homes, but they can spur the migration of other species as well. Warmer temperatures in the water, for example, can cause ecosystem changes and habitats for disease-bearing organisms to expand to new areas. Warmer temperatures can also lead to excessive harmful algal growth that can deplete the water’s oxygen and block sunlight, disrupting ecosystems in the water. These changes to natural systems affect health in different ways. Researching these effects can lead to improved capabilities to anticipate extreme weather and ecological transitions and avoid devastating impacts for health and livelihoods.

Our Experts

Payman Dehghanian
Director, GW SmartGrid Laboratory
Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
GW School of Engineering and Applied Science

Royce Francis
Associate Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering
GW School of Engineering and Applied Science