Trends and spatial distribution of population exposure to extreme precipitation in China during 2000–2019

Extreme precipitation events are becoming more frequent and intense as the globe warms, which increases threats to public health. Exploring the population exposure to extreme precipitation, especially under the dual impacts of climate change, population aging and urbanization, is essential for understanding the determinants of such exposure and taking adaptive actions. In this study, we explored the trends and spatial distribution of population exposure to extreme precipitation in China during 2000–2019. We found that about 80% of regions in China experienced increased exposure to extreme precipitation during 2010–2019, compared to the period of 2000–2009. The maximum probability density (MPD) extreme precipitation days and population exposure both increased in all three types of extreme precipitation events with different strengths. We found the age pattern of exposure noticeably shifted from children in 2000–2009 to the elderly in 2010–2019. Extremely high-level exposure concentrated in the urban built-up areas rather than the non-urban built-up areas. These findings support to identify the high-risk regions and populations, which should be considered as priorities when planning the adaptation actions to cope with increasing extreme precipitation events under climate change.