A recent analysis by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) collaboration finds that a record-setting heatwave hit Scandinavia. The deepening climate crisis played an outsized role in exacerbating this extreme weather event. Climatologist Professor Friederike Otto, of Imperial College London, is the study’s director. That’s evidence that even the historically cooler Nordic countries are now experiencing dangerously high heat levels.
In July, Sweden saw an unprecedented 10-day period of “tropical nights.” It was a night temperature epic too, as every single night during this period, temperatures were above 20°C (68°F). This disturbing trend is a wake-up call about the reality of climate change. Its repercussions go further than the shift in weather patterns; they disrupt local ecosystems and communities.
Professor Otto highlighted that “even relatively cold Scandinavian countries are facing dangerous heatwaves today with 1.3 degrees Celsius of warming – no country is safe from climate change.” These observations highlight the fragility of these areas, which were historically less impacted by extreme heat.
This heatwave has been a challenge of more than discomfort. It poses an existential threat to the livelihoods of Indigenous Sámi communities dependent on reindeer husbandry. The soaring temperatures have had a negative impact on the animals and their habitats, leading many community leaders to sound the alarm.
Beyond the ecological impacts, public health has suffered. An estimated 60 people drowned as the number of people swimming outdoors and ignoring precautions increased during the heat dome. Toxic algal blooms blossomed in lakes and oceans, threatening health and safety even more.
As summer temperatures soared, hundreds of wildfires erupted across forests, while reports of people fainting at holiday events became increasingly common. This troubling trend highlights the increasing urgency of addressing climate change.
“Hot nights can be dangerous when the body does not get a chance to rest and recover after a hot day, and this is particularly true for people with underlying health conditions.”
According to the new WWA report, global heating, primarily from burning fossil fuels, has increased the chances of extreme heat events by a factor of at least 10. It has increased their intensity by an average of 2 degrees Celsius.
“Climate change is radically altering the world as we know it,” added Dr. Clair Barnes from Imperial College London. She crystallized the huge and far reaching consequences of these changes.
According to Maja Vahlberg of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, this July heatwave was a stark and important reminder that… Extreme heat is no longer a future threat for northern areas, but rather an immediate danger. Amalie Skålevåg painted a bleak picture of what is to come. She added that heatwaves—intensified and longer than the one so far this week—would be happening five times as often by 2100 if we allow global temperatures to rise another 2.6 degrees Celsius.
Professor Erik Kjellström from the Swedish Meteorological Institute noted the extraordinary nature of the heatwave, stating, “At one station in northern Sweden, we had 10 of these days at the end of July, which is extraordinary.”
The collective observations from scientists underline a critical message: “No country is safe from climate change.” Catastrophic damage, pollution risk from Hurricane Ian This historic extreme weather event is happening as we speak. It implores all governments and people to address the underlying factors contributing to climate change and transition toward renewable energy.