14 Meteorological Disaster Trends and Impacts in China

Abstract

Major disastrous weather and climate in China gone through some unquestionable changes in location and duration over the past fifty years. The major meteorological disasters that occurred over the last decade have left a profound impact on human society due to emerging climate change and social and economic development. It is estimated that the meteorological disasters and secondary disasters will continue to increase over the next 10 to 50 years in China. It is necessary to establish and improve a mechanism to defend against meteorological disasters, which should be led by the government, integrated among relevant departments, and include public participation. China should further strengthen climate change impact assessments for sensitive sectors, major projects, and city planning, as well as improve meteorological disaster risk management and enhance the public's capability of avoiding meteorological disaster risk, in order to adapt to climate change. Keywords: China; climate change; meteorological disaster