cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/59216599

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• Southwest China is one of the areas with the highest long-term cropland exposure to extreme precipitation

• Extreme precipitation intensity has fluctuated but generally increased in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain and Northeast China Plain since 2000.

• Areas where primary industry accounts for 30–40 per cent of the local economy showed the lowest levels of extreme precipitation exposure.

• The relationship between rural population and rainfall exposure is complex, with extreme precipitation intensity peaking at some moderate population levels.

• Areas with high exposure to extreme rainfall but poor transport accessibility face particularly serious risks and may become “vulnerability-traps.”

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Climate change is increasing the likelihood and intensity of extreme rainfall, putting China’s agricultural land at growing risk of flooding, disruption and damage, according to new research led by Dr Haoyu Hu from The University of Manchester.

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Its findings come as China has experienced a series of severe flooding and extreme rainfall events this year. In July alone, more than 16 million people were affected by natural disasters across the country, with flooding and geological disasters among the main causes. Earlier this month, Typhoon Saudel brought torrential rainfall and flooding to several southern and eastern provinces, with more than 400mm of rain recorded in 24 hours in parts of Fujian.

Scientists have also found evidence that human-induced climate change has already intensified extreme precipitation across China, while research published this year found climate-related changes are increasing the risk of extreme rainfall events in northern China.

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