Scientists have stated that the climate crisis significantly intensified the prolonged heatwave experienced in the Nordic countries during July. The event demonstrated that no nation is immune to the effects of climate change.
Historically cool nations like Norway, Sweden, and Finland were struck by unusually high temperatures. Finland experienced a record-breaking streak of 22 days where temperatures exceeded 30C (86F). Sweden endured ten consecutive days of "tropical nights," where temperatures remained above 20C (68F).
The scientists' analysis indicated that global heating, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, made the heatwave at least ten times more likely and 2C hotter. Some climate models suggested the heatwave would have been impossible without human-caused climate change.
The heatwave had widespread consequences. Hospitals faced overheating and overcrowding, leading to the cancellation of some surgeries. Increased outdoor swimming resulted in at least 60 drownings, while toxic algal blooms flourished in bodies of water.
Wildfires ravaged forests, and people fainted at public events. The 2018 heatwave in the region resulted in 750 premature deaths in Sweden alone, and scientists anticipate a similar toll from this recent event once data is fully analyzed.
Wildlife, including the iconic reindeer of the Scandinavian peninsula, was also affected. Some animals perished from the heat, while others sought shade in towns. Drivers were cautioned about reindeer seeking refuge in road tunnels.
The northern hemisphere, including the UK, Spain, Croatia, the US, Japan, and South Korea, has also experienced heatwaves in recent weeks. Scientists are certain that the climate crisis has intensified this extreme weather.
Experts emphasize that even relatively cold Scandinavian countries are now facing dangerous heatwaves due to 1.3C of warming. They stress that the burning of fossil fuels is causing harm and that transitioning to renewable energy is crucial to prevent further climate dangers.
Heatwaves like the one in Scandinavia are projected to become five times more frequent by 2100 if global heating reaches 2.6C, the current trajectory.
The recent heatwave highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure and the aging population in the Nordic countries. The strain on wildlife, such as reindeer, also underscores the impact of climate change.
The study compared the likelihood of the high temperatures in today’s hotter climate with that in the cooler preindustrial period. It found that even the relatively small 0.2C rise in global temperature since 2018 had doubled the chance of such heatwaves.
The number of tropical nights was a striking feature of the heatwaves. The impact of hot nights can be particularly dangerous for people with underlying health conditions.
The effects of the heatwave on reindeer threaten the livelihoods of Indigenous Sámi communities. This makes climate change a human rights issue.
4 Comments
Bermudez
This article is a stark reminder that climate change is a global problem that needs a global solution!
Coccinella
I'm more worried about my taxes than some made-up climate catastrophe.
Muchacho
Maybe the reindeer should just find a better place to live? Nature adapts.
dedus mopedus
They just want to tax us more. It's all about control and making money for global elites.