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Heat waves on the rise in Europe. All major Italian cities are on “red” heat warning. Wildfires scorched forests across the continent. What caused such an extreme heat wave?
Europe is currently experiencing its most extreme heatwave ever, with temperatures soaring above average. In some parts of the continent, temperatures have reached 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and there are concerns that the heatwave could have serious consequences for human health, the environment and infrastructure. The European Space Agency (ESA) predicts temperatures as high as 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) will hit the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
Health authorities have issued warnings to people in Europe, North America and Asia to avoid intense sun and stay hydrated. For the first time, the UK Meteorological Office has issued a “red” heat warning, the highest level of heat warning for Manchester, London and other parts of the UK. France has also issued a ‘red’ warning where temperate temperatures are also forecast to reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fierce wildfires have been reported across Europe due to record-breaking temperatures. Plus, roads and power lines have melted, and railway lines are warped.
Photo: AFP
Recent trends in global temperature change
Jennifer Francis, a senior scientist at the Woodwell Center for Climate Research, in a statement to CNN said the current temperature is “almost certainly” the warmest the planet has ever seen. “will probably go back at least 100,000 years.”
Based on data from the NOAA Center for Environmental Information, the heat map below shows most of the planet is warming. See below trends in the planet’s average global surface temperature from 1993 to 2022.
Extreme heat waves are one of the biggest causes of weather-related deaths worldwide. Join us to understand what a heat wave is and its causes along with the impact of temperature change and how to mitigate the challenge of rising temperatures.
What is heat wave?
A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts for several days. Heat waves can occur in any season, but they are most common during the summer months. Heat waves can be caused by a number of factors, including high-pressure systems, warm ocean currents, and changes in jet currents.
What caused the extreme heatwave across Europe?
The latest heatwave event in Europe is attributed to a phenomenon known as a ‘low shear point’, where a low-pressure system is cut off from the rest of the jet stream, thus causing heatwaves. prolonged severe heat. in a certain area.
Dr Malcolm Mistry, Assistant Professor of Climate and Geospatial Modeling, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “Currently, the jet stream from North America to Europe is stuck in location near the south of the English Channel. The current is U-shaped, with both the bottom and the crest located in the south of the UK.
“To the north of the jet stream, we have cooler arctic air and areas of low pressure, which in turn carry the rains to the UK.
“South of the jet stream, we have the opposite weather pattern to a stalled high-pressure system that sucks in hot air from North Africa and maintains hot, dry conditions.
Image: BBC
The main cause of heat waves or temperature changes
The main factors causing temperature changes in the US and Europe, such as greenhouse gas emissions and changes in land use.
Friederike Otto, climate scientist at Imperial College London and co-leader of extreme weather research association World: “Greenhouse gas emissions, from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil, are making heat waves hotter, longer, and more frequent.” Weather Attribution, said in a statement.
Here are some causes of heat waves:
High-pressure systems: Heat waves are often caused by high-pressure systems. These systems are areas of high atmospheric pressure that causes the air to sink. As the air sinks, it heats up.
Warm ocean currents: Heat waves can also be caused by warm ocean currents. These currents can bring warm water to the surface, which can then evaporate and warm the air.
Changes in jet stream: A jet stream is a band of strong winds blowing high in the atmosphere. Changes in jet stream can cause warm air to be trapped in certain areas, which can lead to heat waves.
Climate change: Climate change is also a factor that can contribute to heat waves. As Earth’s atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture. This moisture can then evaporate and cause the air to heat up.
It is important to note that heat waves can be caused by a combination of factors. For example, a heatwave caused by a high-pressure system could be made worse by warm ocean currents or changes in jet currents.
The effect of temperature change
The impact of temperature change on Europe is already well felt and is expected to become more severe in the future.
Earth’s climate has changed for millions of years, but the rate of change in recent decades has been unprecedented. This is because human activities are releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing the planet to heat up.
Some of the most serious effects include:
Heatwaves: Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a serious threat to human health.
Increase in ozone pollution levels: Heat waves increase ozone pollution levels because they cause more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to be released into the atmosphere. These VOCs react with sunlight to form ozone, a harmful pollutant.
Droughts: Droughts are becoming more common and they are drying up rivers, lakes and aquifers. This is having a devastating impact on agriculture and ecosystems.
Floods: Floods are becoming more severe and cause widespread damage to property and infrastructure.
Wildfires: Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive as dry conditions and heat waves create the perfect conditions for fires to break out and spread.
Sea level rise: Sea levels are rising and this is threatening coastal communities around the world.
Loss of Biodiversity: Temperature changes are causing the extinction of plant and animal species.
Changes in agricultural productivity: As temperatures rise, crop yields are expected to decline in some areas. This can lead to food shortages and price increases.
Spread of Disease: Warmer temperatures are enabling mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects to spread to new areas. This increases the risk of diseases such as malaria, dengue and yellow fever.
Infrastructure damage: Warmer temperatures are causing roads, bridges and other infrastructure to deteriorate faster. This can lead to costly and disruptive repairs.
Economic Loss: The impact of a change in temperature is expected to have a significant economic impact. This can lead to job losses, business closures and increased insurance costs.
The way forward: Mitigation
The NOAA Climate Center says Earth’s temperature has increased by an average of 0.14° F (0.08° C) per decade since 1880, or about 2° F in total.
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a serious threat to human health and the environment. The effects of heat waves have been felt around the world and they are expected to become more severe in the future.
The 2023 Europe heatwave is a stark reminder of the dangers of climate change. Heat waves are having serious impacts on human health, the environment and infrastructure. It is important to take action to mitigate and adapt to the effects of temperature change in order to protect Europe from the worst effects of climate change.
There are several things that can be done to mitigate and adapt to heatwave impacts. Some of these measures include:
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: This is the single most important step that can be taken to mitigate climate change, the main cause of heat waves.
Build more resilient infrastructure: This includes measures such as making buildings more energy efficient and providing shade in public spaces.
Educate the public about the risk of heatwaves: This will help keep people safe during heatwaves and take steps to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
Provide a cooling center: This is where people can come to cool down during a heat wave. Cooling centers can be set up in public buildings, such as libraries and community centers.
Monitor air quality: Air quality can worsen during heat waves, so it’s important to monitor air quality and take steps to protect yourself if it’s poor. .
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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn