The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines compound events as (1) two or more extreme events occurring simultaneously or successively, (2) combinations of extreme events with underlying conditions that amplify the impact of the events, or (3) combinations of events that are not themselves extremes but lead to an extreme event or impact when combined. This definition of compound events is now embedded within the IPCC risk framework under the umbrella of a combination of multiple drivers and/or hazards that contribute to societal or environmental risks. The concept of compound extremes can be employed and solicited through interdisciplinary research and practitioner experiences in various sectors including human health, water, climate, food, insurance, risk disasters, infrastructure.

This workshop will address the complex challenges associated with compound events when one of the amplifying conditions is an epidemic of an infectious disease like COVID-19. Speakers will discuss experience with these challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as management of health risk during major storms or heat waves, explain how the presence of COVID-19 alters extreme event preparedness and response, and address the roles that climate services can play to protect health during extreme events in the context of elevated disease transmission risk.

Speakers

• Introductory remarks by Dr. Jürg Luterbacher, WMO, and Dr. Benjamin Zaitchik, Johns Hopkins University
• Speaker introductions and Q&A moderation: Dr. Judy Omumbo, African Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Rachel Lowe, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Dr. Erich Fischer, ETH Zurich
• Dr. Joanne Robbins, UK Met Office
• Dr. Liana Anderson, National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN), Brazil
• Dr. Maarten van Aalst, Red Cross Climate Centre
• Ms. Charlotte Norman, NADMO, Ghana