“Global warming is accelerating. Benjamin Pohl, climatologist, researcher at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), member of the Research Center for Climatology, has no doubt about this. “If we have seen it since the 1950s, with irregularities over time, for ten to twenty years, it has increased. It is not only due to human activities (disturbances linked to CO emissions2 , methane, etc.), but also with natural variability. The specialist also notes “tangible effects on precipitation”.
“The heat wave and the drought are more and more frequent”
“In Burgundy-Franche-Comté, as in part of Western Europe, we are entering a new phase,” said Benjamin Pohl. “In a year, we have about the same amount of precipitation as before. On the other hand, since 2013-2014, the summers are much hotter and drier, and the winters overall more watered. The summers, heatwave and drought are more and more frequent. According to the specialist, the temperature and precipitation factors will be decisive for the climate forecasts for the years to come. But the influence of “the amount of cloud, which is completely unknown,” should not be overlooked either. “However, these bring a refreshing side, or not. They have direct effects on temperature and precipitation. “
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“Heat stress” for some
In addition to the global consequences of global warming, Benjamin Pohl highlights the implications in terms of thermal stress. “Depending on where you live, the challenges of drought are not the same at all. The issue of indoor temperature requires us to think about how we build, and the need for sustainable energy renovations. The researcher addresses urbanization, which adds a few degrees to cities. “In the agglomeration of Dijon, for example, the heat islands add 6 to 7 ° C in summer, compared to the plain of Saône. In Paris, it’s +12 ° C. “
Benjamin Pohl also talks about the consequences for agriculture. “More and more vegetation will suffer from drought. Faced with this, we must think about types of crops that do not lose too much in yield. “
Finally, asked about his vision years to come , the specialist is not reassuring. “The end of the century will be hot, even if, from one region to another of the globe, things will be different. What is certain is that the summer droughts will be more and more frequent and intense. ”
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The end of the century will be hot, even if, from one region to another of the globe, things will be different
Benjamin Pohl, climatologist
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