The fascination with the extreme: climate phenomena and climate change today.

Currently, it is not uncommon to come across news about natural disasters and extreme weather phenomena that seem to be increasingly frequent and violent. Climate change is one of the most pressing and concerning issues of our era, and the public becomes aware of its impact mainly through events such as hurricanes, heatwaves, or floods. These events, filled with drama and devastating consequences, seem to awaken a fascination in people that goes beyond mere curiosity for the extreme. The recent announcement of the release of the movie "Twisters," a new version of the 1996 film addressing tornadoes, only confirms the attraction that extreme weather phenomena and the destruction they can cause have on us. According to Simon Dickinson from the University of Plymouth, the renewed relevance of these types of films demonstrates the public's interest in impactful weather events and their ability to connect us with nature and human vulnerability. Dickinson's study on the viewing of hurricane and storm videos on YouTube sheds light on the motivation behind this behavior. People seek to see with their own eyes what they have heard about, longing to witness extraordinary moments such as the eye of the storm or the impact of a hurricane. These extreme images allow them to connect the abstract with the concrete, the theoretical with the experiential, creating a unique sensory and emotional experience through a screen. Climate change, which underlies all these extreme weather phenomena, becomes a palpable reality through events like tornadoes, hurricanes, or droughts. Although the global temperature rise is a gradual and imperceptible process for most people, the manifestation of its effects in the form of natural disasters directly confronts us with the consequences of our actions on the planet. Friederike Otto, a climate scientist, highlights the importance of rapid attribution studies to identify the role of climate change in extreme weather events and convey that information quickly and effectively to society. These studies allow for a clear connection to be established between the climate crisis and the phenomena that immediately impact our lives, reinforcing the need to act promptly and decisively. Joshua Ettinger, an expert in climate communication, emphasizes the importance of seizing moments of extreme weather as opportunities to raise awareness about climate change and promote climate action. Although reactions to these events may vary, from fear to indifference, it is essential to open a constructive dialogue that allows for an understanding of the interconnection between natural disasters and climate change. The relationship between extreme weather and climate change is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Conversations on this topic may be uncomfortable or controversial, but they are essential for generating awareness and promoting significant changes in our individual and collective practices. As we move towards a future where extreme weather phenomena could intensify, it is crucial that as a society, we confront the challenge of climate change head-on. The fascination with the extreme must be accompanied by an active commitment to preserving our planet and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Ultimately, the attraction that extreme weather phenomena exert on us not only reveals our fascination with the grandeur and power of nature but also the urgency to act on a global problem that concerns us all. Let us take advantage of these moments of climate impact to reflect, debate, and take concrete measures that allow us to mitigate climate change and preserve life on Earth.