Climate Change Impacts

  According to the 2007 IPCC report, the average yearly temperature for Europe is expected to rise more than the average global temperature. The expected range of temperature rise in Northern Europe (including the United Kingdom) from now until 2099 is 2-5 degrees Celsius.

Graph taken from 2007 IPCC report.

 The average yearly amount of precipitation in Northern Europe is also expected to increase, while the length and strength of the snow season is likely to decrease.

  Based on previous data, we are able to see many impacts from global warming. Most of these impacts are negatively affecting Europe, and will continue to have negative impacts across the continent. With an increase in the magnitude of precipitation, flash flooding is likely to increase all over Europe. Due to sea level rise coastal regions are also likely to experience flooding. The warming is expected to bring longer growing seasons and increased crop production, which are both positive impacts from global warming, however the warming will also cause glaciers to melt and reduce snow cover in the European mountains. 

   Due to an increase in flooding and sea level rise an estimated 1.6 million people will be affected annually. Warming is expected to be greater in the winter for the northern part of Europe and warming is expected to be greater in the summer for the central and southern portions of Europe. Due to the increase in temperature and longer growing season, the productivity of crops is expected to increase in northern Europe but decrease in central and southern Europe. Because of sea level rise, many species will be forced to move further inland, or be lost completely. The warming is expected to diminish most small glaciers and arctic permafrost areas and significantly decrease large glaciers. Most of the continent has switched from disaster relief programs and are now trying to implement proactive programs to deal with climate change.

 The plant and animal life are likely to be affected by climate change. Up to 1,350 plant species could be endangered or extinct by 2080. Based on the A1 scenario 22% of species could be endangered and 2% could become extinct as well.   This would be very detrimental to the ecosystems. The prolonged warmer temperatures are also not good for certain ecosystems.