Does Climate Change Cause Extreme Weather?

Above the Noise, KQED

This video provides a good introduction to the field of attribution science. Beginning with an introduction to weather and climate, it describes how severe weather might be linked to climate change and the science behind attribution studies. It gives a good explanation behind how scientists use climate models to study whether severe weather events were influenced by climate change. It also discusses the question, "does climate change cause extreme weather?" and provides an introduction to the concepts of probability, causation, and correlation in regards to attribution science (how much climate change influenced an event verses normal variations in weather).

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Notes from our reviewers

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This video could be used for both engagement, an activity (with data exploration), or an extension activity. The video can also be connected to a real-world example of an extreme weather event that is attributed to climate change. Educators can ask students to reflect on the causation and correlation between global climate change and the frequency of extreme weather.
The video explains how attribution science helps scientists understand the connection between extreme weather events and climate change through the use of climate models. A general overview is presented and so are references to events but concepts are not explained in detail in this short video. Comments from expert scientist: Scientific strengths: - Explains that climate and weather are different and how they are different (timescales) - Explains that climate causes higher sea level and warmer waters, and those factors lead to stronger hurricanes and heavier rainfall - Clearly demonstrates what "attribution science" is - States that the scientific consensus is that if climate change continues at its current rate, extreme weather will only get more extreme
The animations are well done and the video format allows for students with low reading levels to gain the information. The video could be used in classrooms to introduce students to the topic of attribution. The video is relatable: a man and woman are talking about these concepts using a conversational format. Links are provided to source material as well as to teacher guides and other educational material from the parent organization (PBS). The video description contains annotations and links to supporting resources. The video itself does not allow for an in-depth investigation of the topic, but would provide an engaging activity and the links included would help teachers who want to find more activities and resources on the topic of attribution.