Too hot to handle

Summer temperatures in Europe last year were one degree Celsius above the average of the previous 20 years, scientists said in their annual European State of the Climate report.

Western Europe is experiencing extreme heat waves — Spain is experiencing its second in less than a month, while, here in the United Kingdom, we have issued a first-ever “extreme heat” warning. Italy has faced prolonged heat and drought.

We can’t see such events in isolation anymore, and now have to seriously address the impact this will have on populations, food supplies etc. The climate agenda needs to be given priority status worldwide.

If we stay as we are, with the global temperature rise under 1.5 degrees Celsius, extreme weather will continue. A greater rise in temperature would add to our woes. Relentless increases in record heat is leading to more severe droughts, water crises and wildfires. And as I have witnessed from the garden, plants wilt and die faster if there is too much heat and not enough water. Agriculturally, heat and drought will affect those less well off around the globe as staple foods become unaffordable or unavailable. The global food system has relied on the stability of good weather, but what we’re witnessing currently is nothing short of alarming.

What’s required is creativity, innovation and political courage to cut greenhouse gas emissions and transition to greener economies at the scale and pace needed. We will have to find ways to keep pace with the worsening reality of climate change. The world has the capacity and the resources to adapt; governments will have to go above and beyond to accelerate the process. Simply not acting now will be cheaper than waiting to deal with the consequences.

 

 

 

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