Global climate change and its impact on weather conditions in Azerbaijan have become increasingly evident in recent years. According to experts, one of the main causes of these changes is the rise in greenhouse gas emissions—particularly carbon dioxide and methane—released into the atmosphere as a result of anthropogenic activities. At the same time, urbanization and the expansion of megacities also contribute to regional climate changes.

    In a statement to AZERTAC, Hasan Nabiyev, a leading researcher at the Climate Department of the Institute of Geography and a PhD in geography, noted that global warming is progressing more rapidly in the Arctic. According to him, rising temperatures in polar regions are causing a reduction in ice-covered areas, which in turn weakens the temperature and pressure differences between high and low latitudes.

     As a result, the movement of air masses slows down, allowing warm air to persist over the same region for longer periods. These processes also lead to increased atmospheric humidity and intensification of extreme weather events. For instance, the “Bernd” cyclone that struck Germany in July 2021, causing significant destruction, is considered an example of this trend.

    Hasan Nabiyev also emphasized that, according to studies by the World Weather Attribution group, the frequency of extreme heatwaves has increased more than tenfold over the past 100 years. At the same time, temperatures during such events are approximately 4°C higher compared to previous periods.

Changes in atmospheric circulation have led to the formation of high-pressure systems extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Barents Sea, limiting the movement of moist air masses from the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, some regions experience drought, while others face intense precipitation.

      “Climate change is also affecting Azerbaijan. The frequency of natural disasters such as floods, flash floods, and hailstorms is increasing; wind direction and intensity are changing; temperatures are rising; precipitation is decreasing; and issues related to water resources are emerging. Research indicates that these changes are also linked to increased solar activity. Currently, the Sun is in the active phase of its 25th 11-year cycle, which enhances variability in atmospheric processes and leads to more frequent meridional air flows,” the scientist concluded.