On Friday, a report by Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) revealed that the average temperature in Europe increased by more than two degrees last year. In the fifth annual report, the agency revealed that Sicily in Italy recorded the hottest day on the continent with a temperature of 48.8C or 120F.
Europe temperature: Rising more than ever
“2021 was a year of extremes including the hottest summer in Europe, heatwaves in the Mediterranean, flooding, and wind droughts in western Europe,” stated Carlo Buontempo. Buontempo is the director of the EU’s climate monitoring service. “This shows that the understanding of weather and climate extremes is becoming increasingly relevant for key sectors of society,” he added. The “greatest ecological disaster in decades” in Greece is a result of climate change fuelling extreme weather conditions. Greece was a witness to furious wildfires that spread across 8,000 square kilometers and burned down forests.
Additionally, Germany witnessed floods due to a rise in the surface temperature of water in the Baltic Sea. They also registered a new record for the mid-July downpour. The extreme weather took over 200 lives. “There are many parts of the Baltic which are more than 5 degrees (Celsius) above average. Which is a lot for seaside temperatures,” said Freja Hamburg. Vampborg is a senior climate scientist at the C3S.
On Climate change and global limits:
Additionally, as per the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, members should set a target for limiting the global temperature rise. This is at 1.5 C above pre-industrial ranges. While the pandemic was helping in the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, it is now rebounding with force. The rising concentration of CO2 emissions is trapping heat and causing heat waves. Additionally, several nations are suffering the consequences of inaction.
“Scientific experts like the IPCC have warned us we are running out of time to limit global warming to 1.5C,” stated Mauro Facchini. Facchini is the head of Earth observation. The institute is under the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space. “This report stresses the urgent necessity to act as climate-related extreme events are already occurring,” he added.