There is growing evidence that our climate is changing. These climatic changes are manifesting themselves in different ways. Global average temperature has already increased by 0.7 °C and in Europe by 0.95°C above pre-industrial levels. As a result of this seemingly small increase in temperature, there is evidence of rising sea levels, changing rainfall patterns, retreating glaciers, thinning of the artic sea ice and increased incidence of extreme weather or species migrating out of historic ranges to colder climates and thereby changing ecosystems.
We can expect Europe’s climate to continue to change over the coming years. There are many scientists across the EU working to predict these climatic changes. Current levels of greenhouse gases result in a further increase of 2-6.3°C in Europe over less than 100 years. Many Europeans that will be born in the coming years will be faced with the consequences. In 2004 the European Environment Agency summarized the climate change impacts in Europe. Changes in the climate are likely to have knock-on impacts on the EU economy and society including water, agriculture, forestry, industry and biodiversity to urban life.
Therefore, in addition to avoiding and reversing climate change through reducing in emissions of greenhouse gases, there is an urgent need to ensure that we are able to adequately adapt to climate changes predicted for the European regions.
See full Article.
Posts
