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World Bank: Climate change means extreme weather is the new normal

This is the third report in the World Bank's series.

By Thor Benson
NASA satellite Aqua passes over Hurricane Iselle and Hurricane Julio approaching Hawaii on August 6, 2014. The images was created using three satellite passes. The residents of normally sunny Hawaii brace themselves for the two storms expected to bring heavy rain to state. UPI
1 of 2 | NASA satellite Aqua passes over Hurricane Iselle and Hurricane Julio approaching Hawaii on August 6, 2014. The images was created using three satellite passes. The residents of normally sunny Hawaii brace themselves for the two storms expected to bring heavy rain to state. UPI | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- According to the World Bank, climate change is getting to the point that extreme weather should be seen as the new normal.

"As the planet warms, climatic conditions, heat and other weather extremes which occur once in hundreds of years, if ever, and considered highly unusual or unprecedented today would become the 'new climate normal' as we approach 4°C—a frightening world of increased risks and global instability," the report says.

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The report was done with assistance from scientists at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Climate Analytics. The report looks at how climate change will impact many different parts of the world, and it predicts things like major agriculture failures, loss of food and water security, flooding, poor air quality and much more.

"Our response to the challenge of climate change will define the legacy of our generation. The stakes have never been higher," writes World Bank President Dr. Jim Yong Kim.

UPDATE: UPI has been informed of an infographic that explains the World Bank's data.

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