Why are heatwaves becoming more frequent and more intense?

With climate change, heatwaves are becoming particularly frequent. This phenomenon can be easily understood using physical concepts. Central to this are the radiation fluxes from the Sun and the atmosphere, which, via the Earth’s surface energy balance, shape the diurnal variation in near-surface temperature. These concepts help to explain the observed increase in heatwaves in Germany.

Axel Kleidon has been leading an independent research group at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry since 2006. His work focuses on energy transformations within the Earth system in relation to the laws of thermodynamics. He is particularly keen to communicate his research findings to the general public through interviews, review articles and film features.