Global Temperature Increase Research Articles

Varying contributions of fast and slow responses cause asymmetric tropical rainfall change between CO2 ramp-up and ramp-down

Tropical rainfall is important for regional climate around the globe. In a warming climate forced by rising CO2, the tropical rainfall will increase over the equatorial Pacific where sea surface warming is locally enhanced. Here, we analyze an idealized CO2 removal experiment from the Carbon Dioxide Removal Model Intercomparison Project (CDRMIP) and show that the tropical rainfall change features a stronger pattern during CO2 ramp-down than ramp-up, even under the same global mean temperature increase, such as the 2 °C goal of the Paris Agreement. The tropical rainfall during CO2 ramp-down increases over the equatorial Pacific with a southward extension, and decreases over the Pacific intertropical convergence zone and South Pacific convergence zone. The asymmetric rainfall changes between CO2 ramp-down and ramp-up result from time-varying contributions of the fast and slow oceanic responses to CO2 forcing, defined as the responses to abrupt CO2 forcing in the first 10 years and thereafter, respectively, in the abrupt-4xCO2 experiment. The fast response follows the CO2 evolution, but the slow response does not peak until 60 years after the CO2 peak. The slow response features a stronger El Niño-like pattern, as the ocean dynamical thermostat effect is suppressed under stronger subsurface warming. The delayed and stronger slow response leads to stronger tropical rainfall changes during CO2 ramp-down. Our results indicate that returning the global mean temperature increase to below a certain goal, such as 2 °C, by removing CO2, may fail to restore tropical convection distribution, with potentially devastating effects on climate worldwide.

Effects of Combined Abiotic Stresses Related to Climate Change on Root Growth in Crops

Climate change is a major threat to crop productivity that negatively affects food security worldwide. Increase in global temperatures are usually accompanied by drought, flooding and changes in soil nutrients composition that dramatically reduced crop yields. Against the backdrop of climate change, human population increase and subsequent rise in food demand, finding new solutions for crop adaptation to environmental stresses is essential. The effects of single abiotic stress on crops have been widely studied, but in the field abiotic stresses tend to occur in combination rather than individually. Physiological, metabolic and molecular responses of crops to combined abiotic stresses seem to be significantly different to individual stresses. Although in recent years an increasing number of studies have addressed the effects of abiotic stress combinations, the information related to the root system response is still scarce. Roots are the underground organs that directly contact with the soil and sense many of these abiotic stresses. Understanding the effects of abiotic stress combinations in the root system would help to find new breeding tools to develop more resilient crops. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding the effects of combined abiotic stress in the root system in crops. First, we will provide a general overview of root responses to particular abiotic stresses. Then, we will describe how these root responses are integrated when crops are challenged to the combination of different abiotic stress. We will focus on the main changes on root system architecture (RSA) and physiology influencing crop productivity and yield and convey the latest information on the key molecular, hormonal and genetic regulatory pathways underlying root responses to these combinatorial stresses. Finally, we will discuss possible directions for future research and the main challenges needed to be tackled to translate this knowledge into useful tools to enhance crop tolerance.

The effect of using the WCO biodiesel as an alternative fuel in compression ignition diesel engine on performance and emissions characteristics

Recently, the need for using a substitute fuel for petroleum fuel in diesel engines becomes an utmost necessity, However, the petroleum fuel is considered a non-renewable source and has some environmental side effects. The price of petroleum fuels changes according to the world economic and political problems. Engine emissions should be reduced and fit the governmental guidelines, the harmful emissions produced from engines have extreme environmental side effects, one of these effects is called the global warming which causes a global increase in the world temperature. In this study, the biodiesel extracted from the Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) is generated as a substutute for the diesel fuel. In the process of the biodiesel production, catalytic transesterification reaction is used to change WCO to methyl esters by adding low alcohol concentration. The produced biodiesel will be prepared for using as a fuel blend along with the commercial diesel fuel and using it to petrol the four-stroke direct injection diesel engine without any modification to original fuel system. The engine will be tested experimentally with varying loads at fixed speed of 1400 rpm with a natural aspiration process, using blends of (B20 [is composed of 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel], B40 [is composed of 40% biodiesel and 60% diesel], B60 [is composed of 60% biodiesel and 40% diesel], B80 [is composed of 80% biodiesel and 20% diesel] and pure diesel). The effect of the use of different biodiesel blends has been investigated and tested on the performance of the engine and emissions. The experimental findings clarify that the diesel engine can be run with different blends of diesel and biodiesel at the same operating condition with decreasing brake thermal efficiency by 9.6 %, decreasing exhaust temperature by 7.6% and increasing brake specific fuel consumption by 16%.

Global Changes in Water Vapor 1979–2020

AbstractGlobal‐scale changes in water vapor and responses to surface temperature variability since 1979 are evaluated across a range of satellite and ground‐based observations, a reanalysis (ERA5) and coupled and atmosphere‐only CMIP6 climate model simulations. Global‐mean column integrated water vapor increased by 1%/decade during 1988–2014 in observations and atmosphere‐only simulations. However, coupled simulations overestimate water vapor trends and this is partly explained by past studies showing that internal climate variability suppressed observed warming in this period. Decreases in low‐altitude tropical water vapor in ERA5 and ground‐based observations before around 1993 are considered suspect based on inconsistency with simulations and increased column integrated water vapor in microwave satellite data since 1979. Atmospheric Infra‐red Sounder satellite data does not capture the increased tropospheric water vapor since 2002 shown by other satellite, reanalysis, and model products. However, global water vapor responses to interannual surface temperature variability are consistent across data sets with increases of ∼4%–5% near the surface and 10%–15% at 300 hPa for each 1°C increase in global surface temperature. Global water vapor responses are explained by thermodynamic amplification of upper tropospheric temperature changes and the Clausius Clapeyron temperature dependence of saturation vapor pressure that are dominated by the tropical ocean responses. Upper tropospheric moistening is larger in climate model simulations with greater upper tropospheric warming.

Analysis of mathematical modeling methods in the processes of underground injection, storage, and conversion of carbon dioxide

The problem of carbon dioxide utilization is of increasing concern to the public, since measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are no longer sufficient to prevent a global increase in temperature on the planet. Most modeling scenarios show that a significant deployment of negative emission technologies is required. Carbon dioxide is often used as an agent for enhancing hydrocarbon production in the development of oil and gas fields, which is technologically consistent with projects for its utilization and underground storage in depleted reservoirs, saline aquifers, and shale rocks. For the successful implementation of such sequestration projects, it is necessary to conduct a complex of experimental, modeling, and field studies. It is necessary to understand the characteristic physical and chemical changes that occur in a subterranean formation during sequestration processes, such as dissolution, chemical reactions, convective mixing, advective processes, and dispersion. Computer modeling of ongoing processes is seen as a very important task for the correct functioning of such projects. The article deals with topical problems of computer modeling of processes associated with underground injection and storage of carbon dioxide, and also presents the results of laboratory studies on the utilization of carbon dioxide through its catalytic conversion into useful energy resources—hydrogen and hydrocarbons. The findings of this study can help to better understand physicochemical mechanisms that can occur in subterranean formations when carbon dioxide is injected. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Updated nationally determined contributions collectively raise ambition levels but need strengthening further to keep Paris goals within reach

By January 2022, 156 countries had submitted new or updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. This study analyses the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and macroeconomic impacts of the new NDCs. The total impact of the updated unconditional and conditional NDCs of these countries on global emission levels by 2030 is an additional reduction of about 3.8 and 3.9 GtCO2eq, respectively, compared to the previously submitted NDCs as of October 2020. However, this total reduction must be about three times greater to be consistent with keeping global temperature increase to well below 2 °C, and even seven times greater for 1.5 °C. Nine G20 economies have pledged stronger emission reduction targets for 2030 in their updated NDCs, leading to additional aggregated GHG emission reductions of about 3.3 GtCO2eq, compared to those in the previous NDCs. The socio-economic impacts of the updated NDCs are limited in major economies and largely depend on the emission reduction effort included in the NDCs. However, two G20 economies have submitted new targets that will lead to an increase in emissions of about 0.3 GtCO2eq, compared to their previous NDCs. The updated NDCs of non-G20 economies contain further net reductions. We conclude that countries should strongly increase the ambition levels of their updated NDC submissions to keep the climate goals of the Paris Agreement within reach.

Opportunities to tackle short-lived climate pollutants and other greenhouse gases for China

To limit the global temperature increase to below 1.5 °C, it is critical to reduce not only carbon dioxide (CO2), but also specific non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHGs) and precursors, including some short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). These include emissions of black carbon, methane (CH4), tropospheric ozone, and fluorinated gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). As the largest CH4 emitter and second-largest HFCs emitter, China plays a critical role in global efforts to reduce SLCPs and has acknowledged the need to reduce non-CO2 GHGs in its 2060 carbon neutrality goal. This study reviewed leading international experiences with SLCP reduction to identify global best practices to inform target development and policy actions in China and elsewhere. We used bottom-up modeling and scenario analysis to evaluate pathways of non-CO2 emission mitigation in China to 2050, drawing on mitigation measures developed through updated 2030 and 2050 cost curves. We identified a cost-effective reduction potential of 35 % for methane, 30 % for fluorinated gases, and 40 % for nitrous oxides—another potent GHG—in 2030 relative to 2015 levels for China under a Deep Non-CO2 Mitigation scenario. Annual total reduction potential of 1080 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent is also possible by 2030. For long-term targets, progress made on reducing SLCPs could help China reach its carbon neutrality target by 2060. While some uncertainties regarding the long-term mitigation potential of SLCPs remain, our analyses suggest that the fast adoption of available cost-effective technologies could allow China to reduce its non-CO2 GHGs by 56 % by 2050.

The Global Carbon Footprint and How New Carbon Mineralization Technologies Can Be Used to Reduce CO2 Emissions

Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of our industrial society. It is released into the atmosphere, which has an adverse effect on the environment. Carbon dioxide management is necessary to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius and mitigate the effects of climate change, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. To accomplish this objective realistically, the emissions gap must be closed by 2030. Additionally, 10–20 Gt of CO2 per year must be removed from the atmosphere within the next century, necessitating large-scale carbon management strategies. The present procedures and technologies for CO2 carbonation, including direct and indirect carbonation and certain industrial instances, have been explored in length. This paper highlights novel technologies to capture CO2, convert it to other valuable products, and permanently remove it from the atmosphere. Additionally, the constraints and difficulties associated with carbon mineralization have been discussed. These techniques may permanently remove the CO2 emitted due to industrial society, which has an unfavorable influence on the environment, from the atmosphere. These technologies create solutions for both climate change and economic development.

Reevaluating Links Between Meteorite Impacts and Early Cenozoic Global Warming

AbstractThe Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and the lower Chron 29n hyperthermal event were recently proposed to have been triggered by the meteorite impacts that formed the Marquez Dome (Texas, USA; 58.3 ± 3.1 Ma) and Boltysh (Ukraine; 65.39 ± 0.14 Ma) craters, respectively. We use shock physics hydrocode simulations and radiative forcing calculations to quantify the expected global temperature increase associated with impacts of different scales via the release of CO2 and CH4 sourced from target rocks into the atmosphere. Our results suggest that the <2 km diameter impactors associated with the Marquez Dome and Boltysh craters were too small to have induced hyperthermal‐like (>1 K) temperature changes, even if target rocks were carbon‐rich; >10 km diameter impactors may produce hyperthermal events, but such large impacts are predicted to be uncommon during the Cenozoic era (2–4 objects per Gyr).

Optimizing plastic mulching improves the growth and increases grain yield and water use efficiency of spring maize in dryland of the Loess Plateau in China

Transparent plastic film mulching (PFM) with flat cropping cultivation has been widely applied to grow maize (Zea mays L.) in dryland agricultural production areas of the Loess Plateau in China. However, with global warming-induced gradual increase in soil temperature, film-mulched spring maize experiences premature senescence and yield loss. In this study, a new form of mulching strategy involving dual mulching of transparent plastic film with whole maize stalks in a flat plot was established to improve growth and increase water use efficiency (WUE), precipitation use efficiency (PUE), and spring maize yield. The field experiment was conducted in 20 182 019, and 2020 on a conventional flat plot without mulching (CK), a flat plot with single transparent PFM, and a flat plot of transparent film mulching with whole maize stalks (PFM+ST) in the dryland of the Loess Plateau in China, to quantify the effects of different treatments on soil hydrothermal conditions, maize phenology, plant growth dynamics, WUE, PUE, and maize yield. Results demonstrated that soil water storage (SWS) at 0–100 cm soil layer in PFM and PFM+ST were significantly superior to those in CK, but SWS did not significantly differ between PFM and PFM+ST. Soil temperature under PFM+ST at 0–25 cm soil layer decreased by 1.2 ℃ compared with that under PFM during growth, especially in early growing seasons (20–60 days after sowing [DAS]). PFM+ST extended vegetative and reproductive growth periods by 1–2 and 6–7 days compared with those in PFM, respectively. In later growth period (80–120 DAS), PFM+ST increased the root dry matter weight, SPAD, and LAI and significantly increased the aboveground dry matter accumulation. PFM+ST significantly increased the 100-kernel dry weight, grain yield, WUE, and PUE. PFM+ST had 3-year average grain yields of 10.82% and 36.48% greater than PFM and CK, respectively. The corresponding WUE and in 0–200 cm soil layer improved by 12.55% and 39.84%, and PUE improved by 10.82% and 36.48%, respectively. With global warming, applying PFM+ST cultivation practice effectively extended growth period and increased mulching spring maize yield and WUE in the study site.

Persistent Cyanobacteria Blooms in Artificial Water Bodies-An Effect of Environmental Conditions or the Result of Anthropogenic Change.

Algal blooms are an emerging problem. The massive development of phytoplankton is driven partly by the anthropogenic eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems and the expansion of toxic cyanobacteria in planktonic communities in temperate climate zones by the continual increase in global temperature. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) not only disturb the ecological balance of the ecosystem, but they also prevent the use of waterbodies by humans. This study examines the cause of an unusual, persistent bloom in a recreational, flow-through reservoir; the findings emphasize the role played by the river supplying the reservoir in the formation of its massive cyanobacterial bloom. Comprehensive ecosystem-based environmental studies were performed, including climate change investigation, hydrochemical analysis, and bio-assessment of the ecological state of the river/reservoir, together with monitoring the cyanobacteria content of phytoplankton. Our findings show that the persistent and dominant biomass of Microcystis was related to the N/P ratio, while the presence of Aphanizomenon and Dolichospermum was associated with the high-temperature end electric conductivity of water. Together with the increase in global temperature, the massive and persistent cyanobacterial bloom appears to be maintained by the inflow of biogenic compounds carried by the river and the high electric conductivity of water. Even at the beginning of the phenomenon, the reservoir water already contained cyanobacterial toxins, which excluded its recreational use for about half the year.

Modeling the climate sensitivity of Patagonian glaciers and their responses to climatic change during the global last glacial maximum

Investigation of the behavior of the former ice sheet over Patagonia aids better understanding of ice-climate interactions and has important implications for deciphering how modern glaciers will respond to rapid increase in global temperature. Here, we use a 1-km resolution ice sheet model to identify the climate sensitivity of Patagonian glaciers and examine their responses to climatic change during the global Last Glacial Maximum (gLGM). Our results demonstrate that the total glacier area increases by ∼78 × 103 km2 and the equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) lowers by ∼163 m for every 1 °C of cooling under modern precipitation regime. Keeping temperature unchanged, there is an increase of total glacier area by ∼21 × 103 km2 and a ΔELA by ∼64 m for every doubling in precipitation. According to the multimodel ensemble mean of 21 PMIP models, an overall colder and drier climate prevails over Patagonia during the gLGM, with a decrease of annual mean temperature and precipitation by ∼4.7 °C and 12%, respectively. Under the modeled gLGM climate, there is an extensive ice sheet (∼387 × 103 km2) almost completely covering the Patagonian Andes, which results largely from the cooling with positive contribution from sea-level fall. The Patagonian ice sheet is drained by ice streams at the western margins and fast-flowing outlet glaciers to the east, with a north-to-south ice divide mainly extending the southern Patagonian Andes. Additionally, the erosion potential induced by the ice sheet exhibits a very strong localization over the fjords and valleys, resembling the pattern of ice velocity. The modeled ice sheet extent and ice flow pattern during the gLGM match well with the latest empirical reconstructions (though with spatial discrepancies), whereas the total ice volume is underestimated. However, the modeled Patagonian ice sheet exhibits high sensitivity to climatic forcing and the values of ice sheet model parameters used.

Notes from the Editors, June 2022

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 Time is running out for the world to carry out the social transformations necessary to avert irreversible climate catastrophe, keeping the increase in global average temperatures below 1.5°C (or below 2°C). The most optimistic scenario currently provided by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) describes a pathway in which the increase in temperature will not rise to 1.5°C until 2040, peaking at 1.6°C, and then falling back to 1.4°C by the end of this century. But to achieve this will require revolutionary scale transformational change in global social relations affecting the human relation to the climate and the planetary environment as a whole.

A Comparison of Land Surface Phenology in the Northern Hemisphere Derived from Satellite Remote Sensing and the Community Land Model

Abstract Large-scale changes in the state of the land surface affect the circulation of the atmosphere and the structure and function of ecosystems alike. As global temperatures increase and regional climates change, the timing of key plant phenophase changes are likely to shift as well. Here we evaluate a suite of phenometrics designed to facilitate an “apples to apples” comparison between remote sensing products and climate model output. Specifically, we derive day-of-year (DOY) thresholds of leaf area index (LAI) from both remote sensing and the Community Land Model (CLM) over the Northern Hemisphere. This systematic approach to comparing phenologically relevant variables reveals appreciable differences in both LAI seasonal cycle and spring onset timing between model simulated phenology and satellite records. For example, phenological spring onset in the model occurs on average 30 days later than observed, especially for evergreen plant functional types. The disagreement in phenology can result in a mean bias of approximately 5% of the total estimated Northern Hemisphere NPP. Further, while the more recent version of CLM (v5.0) exhibits seasonal mean LAI values that are in closer agreement with satellite data than its predecessor (CLM4.5), LAI seasonal cycles in CLM5.0 exhibit poorer agreement. Therefore, despite broad improvements for a range of states and fluxes from CLM4.5 to CLM5.0, degradation of plant phenology occurs in CLM5.0. Therefore, any coupling between the land surface and the atmosphere that depends on vegetation state might not be fully captured by the existing generation of the model. We also discuss several avenues for improving the fidelity between observations and model simulations.

Governing for Transformative Change across the Biodiversity–Climate–Society Nexus

Abstract Transformative governance is key to addressing the global environmental crisis. We explore how transformative governance of complex biodiversity–climate–society interactions can be achieved, drawing on the first joint report between the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services to reflect on the current opportunities, barriers, and challenges for transformative governance. We identify principles for transformative governance under a biodiversity–climate–society nexus frame using four case studies: forest ecosystems, marine ecosystems, urban environments, and the Arctic. The principles are focused on creating conditions to build multifunctional interventions, integration, and innovation across scales; coalitions of support; equitable approaches; and positive social tipping dynamics. We posit that building on such transformative governance principles is not only possible but essential to effectively keep climate change within the desired 1.5 degrees Celsius global mean temperature increase, halt the ongoing accelerated decline of global biodiversity, and promote human well-being.

Methane emissions along biomethane and biogas supply chains are underestimated

Methane emissions along biomethane and biogas supply chains are underestimated

Maximum global warming potential formula

The calculations of the global warming dynamics were made taking into account the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions according to the recommendations of the Paris Agreement. Based on the analysis of thermodynamic parameters of the climatic system during the last glacial and pre-industrial periods of the Earth’s history, the functions of the maximum global warming temperature dependence on the mass and volume concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere were obtained. The mass of greenhouse saturation of the atmosphere by anthropogenic greenhouse gases and the corresponding maximum global warming temperature have been determined. With unrestricted emission of the three major greenhouse gases, the maximum temperature they can provide is 9.2 °С. With annual global emission reduction by 2060, global warming will continue until about 2108 with a global temperature increase up to 3.1 °С.

Comprehensive analysis of thermal stress over northwest India: Climatology, trends and extremes

Heat waves are quite frequent over the Indian subcontinent during the summer season (April–July) owing to an increase in anthropogenic activities and global temperatures. These extreme heat conditions induce a high level of outdoor discomfort, adverse health effects and mortality, depending on the degree of thermal stress. The present study investigates the climatology of thermal stress and its trends over northwest (NW) India during the summer. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) derived from Human thErmAl comforT (ERA5-HEAT) dataset was used for the period of 1981–2019. The monthly and seasonal climatological mean of UTCI exhibits moderate to strong thermal stress over NW India (ranges from 27 to 34.5 °C) than in the rest of the country (below 25.5 °C), with a peak during the months of June (34.5 °C) and July (33.5 °C) months. The seasonal mean UTCI shows significant rising trends (0.9 °C per 39 years) over NW India and entire India (0.6 °C per 39 years), indicating that the thermal discomfort amplifies at a faster pace compared to the rest of India. Similar rising trends are also noticed in the major cities of the study region. Surface temperature and relative humidity also exhibit a substantial increasing trend, which resulted in the intensification of thermal discomfort over NW India. Furthermore, the number of thermal discomfort days over NW India exhibits an increasing trend during 1981–2019. The composite analysis of UTCI greater than 32 °C (referred to as strong heat stress) depicts the highest thermal discomfort conditions in NW India. During summer, strong soil temperatures and high sensible heat fluxes over the study region may enhance the warming at the surface during UTCI (> 32 °C) days as it depends on surface radiative fluxes through the mean radiant temperature. In addition to high temperatures, a substantial amount of moisture transported by strong westerly wind from the Arabian Sea towards the NW India during strong thermal stress days seems to have contributed to high thermal stress conditions in the region.

Summer Temperature Reconstruction for the Source Area of the Northern Asian Great River Basins, Northern Mongolian Plateau Since 1190 CE and its Linkage With Inner Asian Historical Societal Changes

Mid-to-high latitudes of Asia and its adjacent Arctic area are some of the most sensitive regions to climate warming in Eurasia, but spatio-temporal temperature variation over this region is still limited by a lack of long-term temperature records. Here, June-July temperature reconstructions are developed from a Larix sibirica composite chronology that presents a stable positive linkage with large-scale recorded temperatures and spans 1190–2019 CE for the source area of the Northern Asian great river Basins, northern Mongolian Plateau, Inner Asia. The warmest reconstructed period and low summer sea ice extent in the Arctic Ocean over the past 830 years was estimated to occur in the late twentieth century (1990s–present), with a mean temperature (15.2°C) higher than the long-term mean (13.9°C) of 1190–2019 CE, which is linked with the rapid increase in global temperature. A relationship also exists between the reconstructed temperature and the AMO index, suggesting that the atmospheric patterns over the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans influence the temperature variations of northern Mongolian Plateau. In addition, we also propose that the warm climate promoted high vegetation productivity and favored the formation of power of the nomadic tribes in the Mongolian Plateau, such as the warm periods 1210s–1250s and 1400s–1430s. Our temperature reconstruction provides us with an opportunity to understand the regional effects of climate warming from multiple perspectives.

Conceptual approach to valuation of climate change in EU countries through the prism of economic activities

Today, countries pursue not just to have higher or maintain economic growth, but society faces another challenge – to combat climate change: to have a slower increase in global temperature by decreasing the number of greenhouse gas emissions. Globalization processes have increased greenhouse gas emissions. The problem of climate change has become a widespread problem in all countries, as greenhouse gas emissions produced by any country have an overall impact on the earth's environment. Public administration and public policies face the problem of combating climate change, not constraining the economy too much. The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the extent to which EU countries are affected by climate change according to the economic and social factors of countries that can be seen as drivers of greenhouse gas emissions. The study relates intensity of greenhouse gas emission to the extent to which the country is possible to be exposed to climate change according to its data on industry, energy, waste, and agriculture of EU countries. The TOPSIS method is used to rank EU countries in extent of exposure to climate change. The conceptual approach to ranking climate change through the prism of countries' economic activities is developed. There are some research limitations – statistical data on industry, energy, waste, agriculture are limited in order to fulfil the tasks of the research.