Average Months Now Feel Cold Thanks to Climate Change
Climate Change Distorts Our Perception of Weather
In June 2024, the UK experienced a colder start to the month, driven by northern winds bringing polar air. Despite this, temperatures were only slightly below the long-term average, highlighting how climate change is altering our perception of normal weather patterns.
A Changing Climate
June 2024's temperatures, while feeling cold, were typical for the long-term average. This contrasts sharply with June 2023, the hottest on record, illustrating the increasing frequency of extreme heat events. Europe's warming trend since the 1970s has resulted in temperatures rising at double the global average.
The Shifting Baseline Syndrome
As climate change progresses, each generation normalizes the degraded environment they experience. This "shifting baseline syndrome" means people may view extreme weather as normal, reducing the perceived urgency to act against climate change.
The Impact on Public Perception
Cooler periods, like early June 2024, can make the effects of extreme heat less tangible, diminishing the drive to address climate change. However, during this time, other regions, including the US and Greece, suffered deadly heatwaves, emphasizing the global nature of the crisis.
The Urgency to Act
Despite the temporary cool weather, the UK experienced severe impacts from heatwaves in recent years. The government estimated around 3000 extra deaths in summer 2022 due to extreme heat. Public services also face significant strain, with heat damaging infrastructure and increasing wildfire risks.
Conclusion
Climate change continues to distort our weather patterns, making average months feel unusually cold compared to recent hotter years. Continuous awareness and proactive measures are essential to prevent the normalization of extreme weather and mitigate the severe impacts of climate change.
The UK's weather has been a frequent topic of discussion, especially in June 2024, when the start of the month felt particularly cold. Despite this, June 2024's temperatures were only slightly below the long-term average, highlighting how climate change is altering our perception of normal weather patterns.
FAQs
1. Why did June 2024 feel unusually cold in the UK?
- Early June 2024 was influenced by northern winds bringing cool polar air, making the weather feel colder. However, the temperatures were only about 0.4°C below the long-term average.
2. How does climate change affect our perception of weather?
- Climate change has led to more frequent and intense heatwaves, making relatively cold or average conditions feel unusual. This shift in perception makes average months seem colder compared to recent hotter years.
3. What is the significance of the term "shifting baseline syndrome" in the context of climate change?
- "Shifting baseline syndrome" describes how each new generation perceives the degraded environment they experience as normal. In terms of climate change, this means that people may view increasingly extreme weather as the new normal, reducing the perceived urgency to act.
4. How has climate change influenced extreme weather events in the UK?
- The UK has experienced its hottest days in the past five years due to rapid warming. While heatwaves are often seen as periods of enjoyment, they significantly impact public health and services, causing deaths and infrastructure damage.
5. Why is it important to maintain awareness about climate change during relatively cooler periods?
- Cooler periods can make the impacts of extreme heat less apparent, potentially diminishing the urgency to address climate change. Continuous awareness is crucial to prevent the normalization of extreme weather and to encourage proactive measures.
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