Scientists Link Heat Waves in Northern Europe to Climate Change
Researchers conclude that the likelihood of three-day stretches of extreme heat in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland has increased at least two-fold.
The sun heats things up in Donegal, Ireland. (Liam Moloney / Flickr)(CC-BY-SA 2.0)
BERLIN—Researchers say heat waves of the kind currently being seen in northern Europe have become twice as likely due to climate change.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution team said Friday they have compared observations and forecasts for the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland with historical records going back to the early 1900s. They concluded the likelihood of three-day stretches of extreme heat in those areas has increased at least two-fold.
The group, which works to determine if there’s a link between weather phenomena and climate change, said current temperatures further north are so unusual there’s not enough data to predict their future likelihood.
Erich Fischer, an expert on weather extremes at ETH Zurich in Switzerland who was not involved with the study, said the authors use well-established methodology and “their estimates may even be rather conservative.”
Wait, before you go…If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
Health & Wellness
It's gross. It's sticky. And it's already saved your life.
Activism
Extinction Rebellion takes on heliports in Manhattan during a week of climate action.
Environment
An alarming decades-long decline rate in male sperm count could lead to near-universal male sterility by 2060.
Africa
"In places where systems have collapsed through no fault of local people," said one advocacy group, "climate impacts are being experienced worse than anywhere."
Environment
We like to denigrate manufactured housing, but new units are better for the environment.
Book Excerpt
A North Dakota farmer saved his farm and his livelihood with carbon farming, a proven method of green agriculture. He’s now out to convert other farmers and rescue our environment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.