Understanding hydroclimatic extremes under climate change and human influence

Talk by Dr. Saran Aadhar (IIT Jodhpur) on the topic 'Understanding hydroclimatic extremes under climate change and human influence: Impact,mechanisms, and adaptation strategies' during the 36th mid year meeting of the IASc. The event was hosted in the IISc, Bengaluru on 04 July 2025.

Abstract of the talks published as follows.

The frequency and severity of hydroclimatic extremes (such as droughts,
floods, heatwaves, etc.) have significantly altered in the last few decades
due to climate change and increasing human activities at both regional and
global scale, and have posed significant challenges to infrastructure, water
resources, agriculture, public health, and socio-economic conditions. To
address and minimize the risk associated with these extremes in changing
and anthropogenic climate, our research focuses on three key aspects. First,
we aim to understand the impact of climate change and human activities
on hydroclimatic extremes, considering the large uncertainty of various
datasets, methods, and models. Second, we investigate the underlying
mechanisms, processes, and drivers of these extremes using observations
and modelling. Third, we work on developing effective and robust early
warning systems to mitigate and reduce the risk of hydroclimatic extremes
to support sustainable and resilient planning. Overall, our research aims to
provide reliable information to decision-makers and stakeholders on building
sustainable and resilient infrastructure and systems capable of withstanding
future risk of hydroclimatic extremes in a warming world