Effects of 0.5 °C less global warming on climate extremes in the contiguous United States

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggests limiting global warming to 1.5 °C compared 2 would avoid dangerous impacts of anthropogenic climate change and ensure a more sustainable society. As the vulnerability is regionally dependent, this study assesses effects 0.5 less extremes in United States. Eight extreme indices are calculated based Coupled Model Intercomparison Project—phase 5 (CMIP5), North American—Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiments (NA-CORDEX) with without bias correction. We evaluate projected changes temperature precipitation extremes, examine their differences between targets. Under climate, both CMIP5 NA-CORDEX show intensified heat reduced cold across country, frequent heavy large areas North, prolonged dry spells some regions West, South, Midwest, drought events West. Results suggest that intensification by 32–46% (35–42%) for intensity (frequency) country and, 23–41% Southeast. annual mainly contributed winter spring. However, limited frequency precipitation, spell, only evident few regions. Although uncertainties found among models emission scenarios, our results highlight benefits at order reduce risks associated warming.