Tropical climates have an average temperature, corrected to sea level, above 18 °C in every month (isomesic, iso(hyper)thermic, in ST). In most of the areas around the equator, annual rainfall is high and exceeds the annual evaporation

High precipitation combined with high temperature in the hyper-humid and humid tropical climates, results in intense, deep chemical weathering and strong leaching of solutes in the soil. Silicates are weathered by water and CO₂ (carbon dioxide) that produces dissolved silica (H₄SiO₄) and bicarbonate, which are removed with percolating water.

Droughts cause a range of impacts and are often worsened by the effects of climate change on the water cycle: a dry riverbed in France; sandstorm in Somaliland due to drought; droughts negatively impact agriculture in Texas; drought and high temperatures worsened the 2020 bushfires in Australia.

A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions.[1]: 1157  A drought can last for days, months or years. Drought often has large impacts on the ecosystems and agriculture of affected regions, and causes harm to the local economy.[2][3] Annual dry seasons in the tropics significantly increase the chances of a drought developing, with subsequent increased wildfire risks.[4] Heat waves can significantly worsen drought conditions by increasing evapotranspiration.[5] This dries out forests and other vegetation, and increases the amount of fuel for wildfires.[4][6]

Drought is a recurring feature of the climate in most parts of the world, becoming more extreme and less predictable due to climate change, which dendrochronological studies date back to 1900. There are three kinds of drought effects, environmental, economic and social. Environmental effects include the drying of wetlands, more and larger wildfires, loss of biodiversity.

Economic impacts of drought result due to negative disruptions to agriculture and livestock farming (causing food insecurity), forestry, public water supplies, maritime navigation (due to e.g.: lower water levels), electric power supply (by affecting hydropower systems) and impacts on human health.[7]

Social and health costs include the negative effect on the health of people directly exposed to this phenomenon (excessive heat waves), high food costs, stress caused by failed harvests, water scarcity, etc. Drought can also lead to increased air pollution due to increased dust concentrations and wildfires.[8] Prolonged droughts have caused mass migrations and humanitarian crisis.[9][10]

Examples for regions with increased drought risks are the Amazon basin, Australia, the Sahel region and India. For example, in 2005, parts of the Amazon basin experienced the worst drought in 100 years.[11][12] Australia could experience more severe droughts and they could become more frequent in the future, a government-commissioned report said on July 6, 2008.[13] The long Australian Millennial drought broke in 2010. The 2020–2022 Horn of Africa drought has surpassed the horrific drought in 2010–2011 in both duration and severity.[14][15] More than 150 districts in India are drought vulnerable, mostly concentrated in the state of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and its adjoining Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, northern Karnataka and adjoining Maharashtra of the country.[16]

Throughout history, humans have usually viewed droughts as disasters due to the impact on food availability and the rest of society. People have viewed drought as a natural disaster or as something influenced by human activity, or as a result of supernatural forces.

Desert Climate - Deserts have extreme temperature fluctuations. Daytime temperatures can reach 40°C to 50°C (104°F to 122°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Some cold deserts, like the Gobi Desert, can even experience below-freezing temperatures. Desert ecosystems are characterized by sparse vegetation. Plants like cacti and shrubs are adapted to store water and survive in arid conditions.

The polar climate regions are characterized by a lack of warm summers but with varying winters. Every month a polar climate has an average temperature of less than 10 °C (50 °F). Regions with a polar climate cover more than 20% of the Earth's area. Most of these regions are far from the equator and near the poles, and in this case, winter days are extremely short and summer days are extremely long (could last for the entirety of each season or longer). A polar climate consists of cool summers and very cold winters (or, in the case of ice cap climates, no real summer at all), which results in treeless tundra, glaciers, or a permanent or semi-permanent layer of ice.

Temperature Range:
Tropical rainforests typically experience warm temperatures year-round, averaging between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). There is little temperature variation between seasons.

Precipitation:
These regions receive high amounts of rainfall, often exceeding 2000 mm (79 inches) annually. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, leading to a lush, diverse ecosystem.

Ecosystem:
Tropical rainforests are known for their incredible biodiversity. They house a vast array of plant and animal species, including towering trees, vibrant flowers, and numerous insects, birds, and mammals. The dense canopy provides various habitats and a complex food web.

Desert

Temperature Range:
Desert climates are characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations. Daytime temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), while nights can drop to around 0°C (32°F) or even lower.

Precipitation:
Deserts receive less than 250 mm (10 inches) of rain annually, often in the form of brief but intense storms. This scarcity of water leads to drought-resistant vegetation.

Ecosystem:
Despite harsh conditions, deserts are home to uniquely adapted plants and animals. Cacti, succulents, and drought-resistant shrubs thrive, while animals like camels, lizards, and rodents have evolved to conserve water and endure extreme temperatures.

Average temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) with little variation throughout the year.

Desert Climate

Deserts are characterized by extremely low rainfall and large temperature fluctuations between day and night. They are found in various parts of the world, often in areas of high atmospheric pressure where descending air inhibits cloud formation. Daily temperatures fluctuate significantly, with scorching hot days and frigid nights. Average annual temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), but daily temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F)

JUDILYN OSORNO

We find temperate climates in:

• Most of Western Europe

• Western and eastern regions of USA

• Eastern China

We define temperate zones according to temperature. Their coldest month averages between 0 °C and 18 °C, but at least one month averages above 10 °C.

We subdivide temperate climates based on their maximum temperatures and whether they have a distinct dry season — either in summer or winter. Prevailing weather patterns or local topography can often influence this.

Continental climates (mostly found in Eurasia and North America) are broadly similar to temperate ones but have greater temperature extremes. This is because they are mostly in the continental interior, away from the temperature buffering effect of nearby oceans.

Desert climates have low precipitation, extreme temperature variations, and sparse vegetation. experience less than 250 mm (10 inches) of rainfall annually, leading to arid conditions and vegetation like cacti and sparse shrubs. Temperature can soar during the day and drop significantly at night.

The new edition of the CRI also strives to enhance accessibility and reachability. Summaries of the key findings will be made available in French, Spanish, Arabic and German. Please provide your email address below, and you will be the first to know about the publication.

Unfortunately, we were unable to compile a Climate Risk Index in 2022 and 2023 due to a temporary lack of data at our data supplier. We are very sorry about this.

Stay informed

The new edition of the CRI also strives to enhance accessibility and reachability. Summaries of the key findings will be made available in French, Spanish, Arabic and German. Please provide your email address below, and you will be the first to know about the publication.

Unfortunately, we were unable to compile a Climate Risk Index in 2022 and 2023 due to a temporary lack of data at our data supplier. We are very sorry about this.

Stay informed

- Temperature Range: High and relatively constant throughout the year, typically between 20-30°C (68-86°F). There is little seasonal variation.

- Precipitation Levels: Very high, with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. Annual rainfall often exceeds 2000 mm (79 inches).

- Typical Ecosystems: Characterized by dense, lush vegetation with a high level of biodiversity. Includes a wide variety of trees, vines, epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants), and a rich fauna including insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The forest floor is often relatively dark due to the dense canopy.

2. Tundra:

- Temperature Range: Very low, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Average temperatures rarely rise above 10°C (50°F) and can drop to -30°C (-22°F) or lower in winter.

- Precipitation Levels: Low, typically less than 250 mm (10 inches) per year. Much of this precipitation falls as snow.

- Typical Ecosystems: Characterized by permafrost (permanently frozen subsoil), low-lying vegetation such as mosses, lichens, grasses, and dwarf shrubs. Animal life is adapted to the harsh conditions and includes mammals like arctic foxes, reindeer, and lemmings, as well as migratory birds.

Comparison:

The Tropical Rainforest and Tundra represent extreme opposites on the climate spectrum. The rainforest is characterized by high temperatures, high rainfall, and immense biodiversity, while the tundra is defined by extremely low temperatures, low precipitation, and sparse, cold-adapted vegetation. These differences in climate directly influence the types of plants and animals that can survive in each zone. The rainforest's consistent warmth and moisture support a vast array of life, whereas the tundra's harsh conditions limit biodiversity and support only specialized organisms.