Regional Patterns of Climate Changes and Extreme Events in China since 1961

Under the background of global warming, significant changes have occurred in the regional climate and extreme events in China. A deep understanding of the changing patterns and driving mechanisms of regional climate and extreme events is of great scientific significance for climate change adaptation and disaster risk management. This study reviewed and summarized the latest scientific advancements, and compared the consistency and differences in climate change responses between eastern and western China. The research indicates that since 1961, temperature and precipitation in China have shown an overall increasing trend, with precipitation changes displaying distinct regional characteristics. A notable feature of climate change in western China is “warming-wetting”, mainly in Northwest China and the northern Tibetan Plateau, while some areas in Southwest China exhibit aridification characteristics of “warming-drying”. In eastern China, precipitation has remained a “southern flood-northern drought” pattern. However, since 2010, this pattern has gradually changed due to a significant increase in precipitation in Northeast and North China. With climate warming, the frequency and intensity of extreme high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and drought events have significantly increased. Human activities, primarily from greenhouse gas emissions, is the main driving factor behind observed increases in average temperatures and extreme temperatures. Noticeably, internal variability of the climate system has also contributed to changes in regional precipitation. Additionally, this study outlines key scientific issues and challenges for future research of climate change in China.