In which way climate is changing in our world?

Regional perspective (Europe)

- The warming trend throughout Europe is now well established, and it is higher than global mean.

• For the 1977 to 2000 period, trends are higher in central and north-eastern Europe and in mountainous regions, while lower trends are found in the Mediterranean region
• Temperatures are increasing more in winter than summer

- Mean winter precipitation is increasing in most of Atlantic and northern Europe

In the Mediterranean area, yearly precipitation trends are negative in the east, while they are non-significant in the west

- An increase in mean precipitation per wet day is observed in most parts of the continent, even in some areas which are becoming drier

In the Future

It is going to be warmer in all seasons.

• The warming is greatest over eastern Europe in winter and over western and southern Europe in summer
• Larger warming in winter than summer in northern Europe and the reverse in southern and central Europe

Mean annual precipitation increases in northern Europe and decreases further south

Sea level rise in the North sea up to 0.8m by the end of 21th century

Climatic changes in Europe has led to

Magnifying regional differences in Europe’s natural resources and assets.

Increased challenges to many economic sectors.

Increased risk of inland flash floods and more frequent coastal flooding and increased erosion (due to storminess and sea-level rise).

Glacier retreat, reduced snow cover and winter tourism, and extensive species losses (in some areas up to 60% under high emission scenarios by 2080).

longer growing seasons

shift of species ranges

health impacts due to a heat wave of unprecedented magnitude

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Source:
IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007, Working Group I Report "The Physical Science Basis"

IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007, Working Group II Report "Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability"