Climate change

When scientists study the processes taking place on Earth, the normal time frame is often thousands to millions of years.

For instance, there have been several ice ages over the past five million years, with ice ages or glaciations, lasting for about 100 000 years or so, followed by an interglaciation, lasting about 10 000 years, before a new glaciation. When discussing the movement of the continental plates, the time frame is almost always in the millions of years.

Climate is normally a relatively stable thing, rarely changing within the lifespan of one human being, often spending hundreds to thousands of years to produce a noticeable change (by human standards). However, scientists are discovering evidence that climate also may shift suddenly, with evidence from the past apparently showing dramatic changes over a few decades. The climate has changed before, and it is natural for the climate to change over time. And now scientists are discussing very significant changes that may happen before those who are children today reach old age.

Most likely, global warming will change the living conditions in Europe significantly. The population distribution may change and the weather will show more extreme conditions like flooding and hurricanes. The Arctic ice cover, high-mountain seasonal snow cover and glaciers will be monitored over decades in order to continuously assess the climatic health of Europe. Observations already indicate that the Arctic may be free of sea ice in summer within 50-100 years. Therefore, it is of great importance to monitor the cryosphere in order to make updated climate scenarios and be able to take the necessary measures in time to limit the consequences to European citizens.

On this part of the site, you will find out more about the climate we in this day and age call normal, as well as more in depth information on climate change, and how climate change influences the Arctic. Click the icons on your right, or use the drop down menu to your left.