What's happening with winter? The truth is, they seem to be getting warmer globally, and this situation could worsen, according to Paul Beckwith, a climatologist at the University of Ottawa in Canada. Beckwith has presented new data showing that changes in the Northern Hemisphere jet streams can cause serious problems in world food production.
So, we could end up talking about the “dead of winter”, but not just for this season, but also for spring, summer, and fall. For several decades, scientists have observed that weather patterns have begun to shift significantly. This phenomenon, generally associated with global warming, has profound implications not only for the seasons but also for human health and agricultural production. To better understand how winter is shrinking, you can consult What winter is like in Spain.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Beckwith explains how the humid, warm air currents from the Northern Hemisphere have been crossing the equator. This allows them to join the colder, drier air currents from the Southern Hemisphere. This interaction has created such a serious phenomenon that the expert has not hesitated to welcome us to Climate Chaos, and comments in his video that “We must declare a global climate emergency.”.
On the other hand, ecologist Robert Scribbler has stated that this climate distortion is primarily due to human-induced climate change. According to several studies, the seasons as we know them could disappear If the current situation doesn't change, winter will also arrive, when the heat will envelop the area that should have winter weather. For more information on extreme weather events, check out this article on extreme weather events.
Will we end up spending a Spanish winter in short sleeves? The idea may sound a bit strange, at least for the moment, but some people think that by 2100 the global average temperature could rise 3 degrees, and this could translate into even higher temperatures in some parts of Spain.
As we move into this new climate era, it is crucial to recognize that this is not just a passing phenomenon. Current projections indicate that climate change will not only affect temperatures, but will also have a significant impact on public health and the global economy. Changes in temperature are often linked to a increase in mortality, particularly in vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
According to a study published in the journal The Lancet Public HealthIt is estimated that more than 400,000 deaths in Europe each year are attributed to extreme temperatures, with cold responsible for approximately 363,500 of these deaths. However, this figure is expected to change significantly, as global warming alters the relationship between cold and heat in terms of mortality.
Projections indicate that if climate change continues unchecked, deaths attributable to heat will exceed deaths due to cold in the not-too-distant future. This phenomenon has already begun to be palpable, especially in regions such as southern Europe, where cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia will be deeply affected. If you are interested in understanding more about global warming, you can consult 5 truths about global warming.
According to the aforementioned study, heat-related deaths in Europe could increase by up to 2100% by 50 if significant measures are not taken to mitigate climate change. This would represent a huge increase in the number of deaths heat-related, underscoring the urgent need for effective and rapid climate action.
Heat waves are becoming more frequent and extreme, and their impact on public health is undeniable. Exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat stroke and exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Under these conditions, it is vital to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to adequate health services and early warning systems to cope with these climate-related events. For more details, you can read about the heat wave in siberia.
In addition to health implications, climate change also affects agriculture and food production. The shortening of the winter seasons can alter the plant growth cycles, which in turn will affect the food chain and food security globally. Research shows that warmer winters can lead to a increase in pest populations, in addition to affecting soil quality and biodiversity. To better understand how climate change affects agriculture, you can read about What winter and Christmas will be like this year.
The impact of climate change on agriculture is worrying. Rising temperatures are estimated to accelerate the growth of certain crops, but they can also cause the emission of greenhouse gases from the soil, as well as changes in biodiversity, which together can offset the initially expected benefits. Furthermore, a milder winter could negatively affect pollinators essential for agricultural production.
It's not just agriculture that's being affected; the tourism sector is also experiencing significant changes due to global warming. Santiago Vallejo, president of the Spanish Association of Tourism Professionals, mentions that a warmer winter climate could lead to a change in tourism habits, allowing for less concentrated trips during the summer months. However, this is presented as a double edged sword, as less snow in winter could seriously harm winter tourism, especially in regions traditionally dependent on this activity. For more information on the impact of climate change on tourism, see this article on The Beast from the East in Spain.
In the future, we may move from cold winters to mild ones that don't require the same level of heating. However, this change could have a long-term adverse effect on public health, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity.
The situation is alarming and requires immediate attention. Every year, the scientific community warns of the growing need to act against climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, the phenomenon of “dead of winter” become a tangible reality, affecting not only health, but also the economy and the environment.
