The US is snowed in and literally frozen, and scientists are talking about unprecedented climate instability
By Korina Georgiou
Spaniards rang in the New Year on the beaches, while Sicilians enjoyed a dip in record temperatures for the season. In Athens the beaches were filled with enthusiastic swimmers during the holidays. According to estimates, in the first quarter of 2023 the temperature in the Southeast Mediterranean is expected to increase by 0.5 to 1 degree compared to normal levels for the season. At the same time, the US has been covered in snow and has literally gone into the freezer, and scientists are talking about an unprecedented climate instability.
According to the General Secretary of the Academy of Athens, Christos Zerefos, “this phenomenon had to happen again about 70 years ago and not in the intensity and duration it had this time, because the duration was long. This had the effect of disrupting the general circulation of the atmosphere.”
The distinguished academic told SKAI that the issue is open, difficult, dangerous not only for ecosystems, not only for the water balance but mainly for soil moisture. This warming can lead to new forest fires.
At least 8 countries have seen record temperatures since early January. 19 degrees were recorded in Poland, 16 in Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Latvia while in the Spanish south the mercury hit red 25 degrees. In fact, in 2022 the country experienced the warmest year recorded at least since 1916.
“I would say that for Europe what is extremely worrying is the fact that the rate of increase in the average temperature is almost double compared to the corresponding rate on a global scale. This is extremely worrying because it can also be linked to an increase in the violence of the extreme phenomena that we will experience and are already experiencing”, said the Thodoris Giannaros, Special Researcher of the Institute for Environmental Research & Sustainable Development of the National Athens Observatory.
The warning of Christos Zerefos is loud and clear: “The path to destruction will not be reversed once the extreme – what we call today extreme – becomes commonplace. That is, from the moment we know that whatever we see will seem normal to us, from that moment onwards the game is lost”.
See what the distinguished scientists told SKAI:
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
