Substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) which deplete the ozone layer have long been subject to an international phase-down on their production and use. In 2016 the international community took steps to phase down another group of substances that are particularly damaging to the climate – hydrofluorocarbons (HFC).
Heat waves are extreme weather phenomena that can have an impact on health. They are especially hazardous to the health of infants, toddlers and the elderly in need of care. It is assumed that storms, hurricane and floods will also have an effect on health, either directly or as a result of stress. Impaired drinking water and supply has an indirect health impact.
Global mean surface air temperature has risen gradually since the age of industrialisation. It is now accepted as scientifically proven that we humans are responsible for a significant part of this increase. Hence one speaks of anthropogenic, or man-made, climate change.
Climate is described in terms of mean values, characteristic extreme values, and frequency distributions of meteorological parameters such as air pressure, wind, temperature, cloud cover, and precipitation over a certain period of time and larger area.
