Summary

Climate “whiplash”—rapid shifts between extreme wet and dry conditions—is increasing exponentially due to global heating, according to a new analysis in Nature Reviews Earth and Environment.

Whiplash events, caused by a warmer atmosphere holding and releasing more water vapor, have risen 31%-66% since the mid-20th century and may more than double if warming reaches 3°C.

Such events exacerbate wildfires, floods, droughts, and public health crises.

Experts stress cutting emissions and redesigning infrastructure to adapt to intensifying climate volatility, especially in vulnerable regions like Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.