Human-Caused Climate Change Supercharges Nordic Heatwave

Human-Caused Climate Change Supercharges Nordic Heatwave
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A new analysis by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) collaboration has concluded that a prolonged and deadly heatwave that struck Sweden, Norway, and Finland in July was made at least 10 times more likely and 2°C hotter due to human-caused climate change, The Guardian reported. The findings underscore that even traditionally cool regions are not safe from the climate crisis.

The heatwave had severe and widespread consequences, including hospital overcrowding and overheating, which forced the cancellation of planned surgeries. The extreme temperatures also led to hundreds of wildfires and spurred the growth of toxic algal blooms in waterways. Wildlife was also significantly impacted, with reindeer, a species unaccustomed to such heat, dying or seeking shelter in urban areas. At least 60 people drowned due to increased outdoor swimming, and a high number of heat-related deaths is expected, potentially mirroring the 2018 heatwave that killed 750 people in Sweden alone.

The study, led by Prof. Friederike Otto, found that a mere 0.2°C increase in global temperature since 2018 had already doubled the likelihood of such extreme heat events. The report warns that if current climate trends continue, heatwaves of this magnitude will become five times more frequent by the year 2100.