Climate Change and its Impact on Economy and Daily Life: Heat Records, Temperature Increase, and Future Projections

Prolonged, atypically high temperature periods, as well as the ever-increasing average air temperature in the world, indicate more serious changes in the climate, which in the future will also affect various areas of the economy and every person’s daily life.

For two years in a row, the average air temperature in the world has reached new heat records. If in July 2022 the air warmed up to 16.92 degrees Celsius, then on July 3, 2023 the average global temperature was 17.1 degrees. Such measurements have been carried out for more than 30 years, but scientists are concerned by the fact that a rapid increase in the average temperature has been observed in recent years. LVĜMV predicts that the heat record achieved this year will not last long and will be surpassed in the next few years.

Forecasters pointed out that the climate is strongly influenced by two things – the ever-increasing volume of greenhouse gas emissions and the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, which in the coming years will contribute to a further increase in air temperature in the northern hemisphere as well.

Studies show that climate change is also happening in Latvia. The average air temperature in Latvia today has risen by 1.1 degrees, compared to the average air temperature in 1961-1990. year. The air temperature has risen the fastest in the winter months, especially in January and February. The amount of precipitation in the country also increased by 18.9 millimeters compared to the previous thirty years.

Due to climate changes, various extremes are more often observed in Latvia – extremely hot days and nights have become more frequent, extremely heavy precipitations are more often observed, while the number of extremely cold days and nights is decreasing. The number of days with snow decreases and the thickness of the snow cover decreases.

Forecasters pointed out that climate change will have some seemingly positive trends, for example, the active tourism season will be extended in Latvia, the Baltic Sea will have warmer water, other crops will enter agriculture, and the harvest will be able to be harvested several times a year.

However, negative consequences must also be expected – a favorable environment for the spread of various pests will be created, spring frosts and extreme heat and drought waves can destroy the agricultural harvest, the possibility of engaging in various winter sports and activities in tourism will disappear, etc.

Forecasters do not promise heat waves in Latvia in the near future. It is slightly more likely to be expected in mid-August, however, the forecasts are very early at the moment and the information will be refined.

2023-07-20 21:01:00
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