Clivar/GCOS/WMO Workshop on Indices and Indicators for Climate Extremes Workshop Summary

There is general agreement that changes in the frequency or intensity of extreme weather and climate events are likely to have profound impacts on society and the environment (Karl et al., 1997). A Workshop on Indices and Indicators for Climate Extremes was held in Asheville, North Carolina, 3–6 June 1997, to encourage the development of data sets, and analysis techniques, to determine whether such extreme events are becoming more extreme or variable. Over 100 participants, from 23 countries, including representatives from 15 insurance and re-insurance countries (which have a clear interest in extreme weather and climate), examined the following questions: What needs to be done to improve data sets and analyses for extreme weather monitoring? Can we establish priorities for specific data set development and improvement? Can we establish indices and indicators of extreme weather and climate? What are the impediments to improving the monitoring of climate extremes?