We are already in November, and in most of Europe we have not yet taken the jackets out of the closet. Even the biggest fans of summer are already worried about the drift that the situation is taking. Only climate change deniers seem calm. But the truth is that it is clear that something is going on and that it is not good. These are all suspicions, which are confirmed by the publication of the latest State of the Climate in Europe Report of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)conducted jointly with the Climate Change Service Copernicus European Union. It is seen that in the last 30 yearsthe temperature in Europe warmed up more than twice the world average. Therefore, it is the continent that has warmed the most. And with a difference.
Program Copernicus comprehensively collects environmental data, both from satellites how ground observatories. In this way, and together with information about the climate policy of each area, information can be extracted on how it affects the climate. changing of the climate to the old continent.
The conclusion is unambiguously negative, although there are encouraging data in the report. For example, that many European countries have achieved very positive results with their climate change policies. In fact, the European Union has reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31% between 1990 and 2020.. In addition, he has a goal of achieving a net reduction of 55% by 2030. We are taking action, yes. But even in this case, the situation is very alarming. It’s scary to think what would have happened if we hadn’t taken them.
Climate change in Europe
The WMO and Copernicus report places great emphasis on the seriousness heat waves happened in Europe last year. They were especially concerned about west and south of the continentwhere numerous records were broken. What, along with the fact that it is exactly very old populationcould cause serious problems for Europeans.
Not only heat, but also extreme rainfall are a huge breeding ground for all sorts of diseases. Cases expected to rise zoonosis. That is, diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans, such as COVID-19. In addition, the figures use animals as vectors. For example, changes caused by heat and climate change can lead to population increases in certain environments. mosquitoes or tickscarriers of many diseases.
And finally, all these conditions can also worsen. allergy, as the production and distribution of pollen will be changed. The elderly and children will suffer the most from this situation.
On the good side, we find that mitigation policies climate change can also have beneficial effects on health. And the fact is that, according to the report, in 2019 there were about half a million premature deaths associated with environmental pollution caused by the use fossil fuel. Reducing emissions can help mitigate this problem in Europe. And, perhaps, in the future, the rest will be reduced. We are on the right track, but we already see that there are situations that we cannot get rid of.
More heat and less rain
For now, heatwaves will continue to increase, regardless of emissions cuts. They are especially expected to be very intense in the oceans. Just look how hot the water has become this summer. it might bring extreme weather events.
Much of Europe, however, will experience a decrease in regular rainfall. According to the report, “in the Mediterranean, a decrease in summer precipitation is predicted, which will spread to the northern regions.” On the other hand, it is expected that extreme rain and flash floods an increase in global warming above 1.5°C in all regions, outside the Mediterranean“.
We have already seen that all of this can affect human health as well as ecosystems. And the fact is that rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall are serious triggers. Forest fires. In recent years, they have greatly increased, destroying everything in their path. But that was only the beginning.
Given these data, it is impossible not to fall into pessimism and ask yourself the question: does this mean that with changing of the climate? But the truth is, all is not lost. The consequences of our actions at the climate level are not immediately visible. Right now we are paying for the emissions of the past, but current policies can be seen in the future. If we did not do what we are already doing, the situation would be even worse. This fever, which does not seem to go away, should be seen as an incentive to keep going. Not as a reason to give up and fall in love with him.
Source: Hiper Textual
