This summer, while global temperatures soared to record highs, some regions experienced unexpected cold snaps. In Ireland, June 2024 was uncharacteristically chilly, leaving many questioning the impact of climate change on current weather patterns.
Despite the continuation of a warming trend due to fossil fuels, reports of future heatwaves seemed paradoxical as people contemplated turning on their heaters. Climate experts are trying to make sense of the discrepancy between predicted warming and the current cold conditions.
Matthew Patterson, an atmospheric physicist, explains that while Europe and Australia have been warming at alarming rates, the perception of temperature has shifted due to climate change. What once felt average now feels cold, highlighting the profound impact of global warming on our daily experiences.
The recent prevalence of extreme temperatures around the world, from deadly heatwaves in Saudi Arabia to record-breaking cold in Australia, underscores the urgent need for climate action. As the Earth teeters on the edge of dangerous climate change, each region’s unique experience of temperature fluctuations serves as a stark reminder of the collective challenge we face.
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ