Impacts of Climate Change

     Studies done by the IPCC (International Panel of Climate Change) of Europe have shown that the annual mean temperatures are on the rise. The northern parts of Europe are expected to see a rise in temperature in the winter along with an increase in precipitation, while the southern Mediterranean part of Europe is due to see a rise of temperature in the summer along with a drop in precipitation. This is a cause for concern in both regions. With an increase in temp and precipitation in the northern region comes a great risk of flash floods and a rising in sea level; while in the southern region an increase in summer temperature along with a loss in precipitation could lead to severe drought.

     A 2007 study done by the IPCC has shown that Europe is already experiencing the effects of global warming such as: shift in species, longer growing seasons, and a retreat in glaciers. A major concern would be how the countries handle their new needs of natural resources to combat global warming. In northern countries such a Sweden and Denmark global warming can actually bring a good change to their climate helping with heating costs and bringing longer and stronger growing seasons. While this may seem like a good thing it will only be beneficial in the short term.

     There are many threats for Europe that global warming brings. For the first time there are actual effects of global warming showing up in the cryosphere and local ecosystems. The threat of costal flooding is 1.6 million additional people, bringing drought and the probability of more severe summer forest fires. Perhaps the most real threat to Europe is water availability. The 2007 IPCC study shows that by the year 2070 the people experience a water shortage may jump from 19% to 35%. That could mean 44 million people in Europe could face a water shortage in the next 60 years. Another threat comes with melting of glaciers causing sea levels to rise. With the rise in sea levels coastal wetlands could see a 20% loss in turn causing reduction in wildlife habitat.
   
     A large problem with the rise in the earth's annual temperature is mountain runoff and how if effects the areas that depend on rivers for their water supply. In northern Europe there is expected to be 5% to 15% increase in runoff by 2020, with the possibility of 9 to 22% by 2070. While in southern Europe a 0 to23% decrease in water runoff is predicted by 2020. Any change in the earth's water cycle can cause horrible effects. It is certain the northern Europe with experience more flooding while the southern region is fated for drought. Water is the most essential part of life on earth, and it is also a very touchy substance. Too much can be harmful while too little can e deadly. Below is a graph taken from the IPCC website that shows the annual runoff of Europe with a few future projections.

Change in annual river runoff 1961-1990 and two future time slices (2020 and 2070).

*All data is gathered from the International Panel of Climate Change's 2007 study.