In the summer of 2022, Europe is suffocating, burning and thirsty. The season was a disaster, as evidenced by the incomparable heights reached on several levels: it was the hottest summer on record, with many heat waves; the worst drought in 500 years, with flows in more than two-thirds of rivers below average; And the second worst season of fires in history (5,000 square kilometers of smoke). As Europe’s climate intensifies under the influence of the climate crisis, the European Environment Agency (EEA) provides an overview “pessimist” The future that awaits the old continent and invites it to prepare for it more.
in Report released Wednesday, June 14thThe Foundation studies in detail the main threats looming over Europe in the summer. The warmest continent in the world Heat waves, floods, droughts, and fires, as well as an increase in climate-sensitive diseases such as dengue fever. The aim is to raise the awareness of decision makers and the general public of the fact that summer no longer equates to vacations only and enjoying the sun. The climate has become extreme and changeable in Europe and we have to prepare for it.”explains Aleksandra Kazmirchak, AEE expert.
While it’s still hard at this point to know what the next few months have in store for us, European Copernicus Service Expect above-average temperatures across Europe this summer. The outlook for drought is also pessimistic. Exceptionally warm and dry winters led to lower snow cover in the Alps and, consequently, lower soil moisture, lower river flows and lower water reserves in most southern and western countries. Unexpected events in some areas are also starting to happen.Aleksandra Kazmirchak notes; Denmark is also affected by a severe drought.
deadly heat waves
Long-term projections are easier to do but also more troublesome. Heatwaves that are dangerous to human health — such as the one in the summer of 2022 that caused between 15,000 and 100,000 deaths, according to studies — will continue to be more frequent, longer and more intense in all climate scenarios. At the end of the century, southern Europe could see more than sixty days of summer annually with such hazardous conditions.
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