The rise in European temperatures has been twice the global average since the 1990s, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Arctic Circle. All under the influence of human activity. An activity that puts our common geographical space at risk, especially through heatwaves, with potentially devastating consequences.
According to Copernicus’ conclusions, since the 1980s, Europe has warmed twice as fast as the global average. Is the continent therefore more affected by climate change? To answer our questions, the editorial team invited Étienne Vignon. A researcher in atmospheric physics specializing in climate change in the islands, and a member of the Laboratory of Dynamic Meteorology at Sorbonne University.
The acceleration of the thermometer is striking in Scandinavia and the Arctic, where sea ice reaches historically low levels. Glaciers are melting to the point of disappearing for some. Ottilia Férey is the correspondent for France Culture in Sweden.
If Europe is warming up twice as fast as the global average, the entire planet could experience a new acceleration of global warming this year. The fault lies with El Niño, a recurring climate phenomenon that intensifies temperature increases. The UN expects a new episode this summer.
