Heatwave in the Nordic region experienced a 2-degree Celsius temperature increase due to climate change, according to a new study.
Climate Change Threatens Health, Ecosystems, and Sami Reindeer Herding in Nordic Countries
A recent heatwave that swept through Finland, Norway, and Sweden during the second half of July has highlighted the devastating impacts of human-caused climate change in cold-climate countries. The heatwave, made about 2°C hotter due to climate change, lasted for two weeks and saw temperatures soar above 30°C.
The surge in temperatures led to a series of health crises, straining healthcare systems and infrastructure. Buildings in these countries are well-insulated but poorly ventilated, exacerbating heat-related issues, particularly for the aging population. Maja Vahlberg, a climate consultant at the Swedish Red Cross, stated that Nordic infrastructure was not built to withstand extreme temperatures. As a result, hospitals became overcrowded and overheated during the heatwave.
The heatwave also led to incidents like fainting, and the region experienced more wildfires and algae blooms. In urban areas, reindeer were seeking shade to escape the heat. Reindeer are struggling to find relief in higher ground during the summer due to warmer temperatures, causing overheating and food scarcity.
The Arctic region, where these countries are located, is heating faster than other parts of the planet, causing ecological disruptions. Warmer winters lead to more rain instead of snow, resulting in layers of ice that impede reindeer from accessing food. Climate change is threatening the livelihood of indigenous Sami reindeer herders by altering their traditional grazing patterns.
To mitigate these impacts, researchers emphasize the need for a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy to slow, if not stop, this warming. The report, published by the World Weather Attribution, suggests that a rapid transition is the only way to slow and, hopefully, ultimately stop this warming. The report notes that warmer temperatures are threatening the livelihood of indigenous Sami reindeer herders in the north.
The heatwave was at least 10 times more likely due to human-caused climate change. The likelihood of a prolonged period of heat like the recent heatwave has almost doubled since 2018, according to Barnes. This underscores the urgent need for action to combat climate change and protect the health, ecosystems, and livelihoods of people in Nordic countries.
The heatwave, exacerbated by climate change, not only poses threats to the health and wellness of the Nordic population, particularly the elderly, but also impacts medical conditions, especially during extended periods of overheating in hospitals. Meanwhile, climate change, a key driver of environmental science, is also jeopardizing the livelihoods of indigenous Sami reindeer herders by disrupting traditional grazing patterns, and altering health-and-wellness conditions of reindeer due to food scarcity and overheating in warmer summers.
