Average Quote by James Hansen
“The climate dice are now loaded. Some seasons still will be cooler than the long-term average, but the perceptive person should notice that the frequency of unusually warm extremes is increasing. It is the extremes that have the most impact on people and other life on the planet.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Climate Change Testimony, US Senate, 2012
The climate system is shifting toward more frequent extreme heat events, even though average temperatures may still vary; extremes drive the biggest impacts.
In simple terms: Extreme heat is becoming more common and harmful.
Prepare for and mitigate extreme weather.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- agriculture
- public health
- insurance
- emergency response
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reduce vulnerability to heat extremes?
- What policies best address increasing extreme weather?
Even with cooler seasons, overall risk rises due to extreme events.