Europe's new climate in seven charts
6 hours ago
- #Heatwaves
- #Europe
- #Climate Change
- Europe experienced two record-breaking summer heatwaves in May and June, with temperature records shattered across the continent, driven by human-induced climate change.
- The UK saw unprecedented June temperatures, including a high of 37.7°C, breaking previous records by up to 2°C or more, and experienced rare 'tropical nights' where temperatures did not drop below 20°C.
- More than a dozen European countries broke June temperature records, with some exceeding 40°C, due to a 'heat dome' effect and Europe's rapid warming from factors like melting snow and reduced air pollution.
- Europe's seas are also exceptionally warm this summer, with marine heatwaves likely to intensify future land heatwaves by reducing cooling effects from sea breezes.
- Scientists warn that heatwaves will continue to get hotter and more intense until global net zero greenhouse gas emissions are achieved, as average temperatures rise due to continued carbon emissions.