Breaking records and growing indifference marks the recent trend

The past few decades have seen a significant decrease in atmospheric pollution, but this decrease has unfortunately contributed to the acceleration of warming, a phenomenon that continues to be a major concern for scientists worldwide.

One of the most affected regions by this warming trend is the boreal forest, which is approaching a tipping point. Conditions favorable to large-scale fires, rarely seen in recent history, have become increasingly common, posing a significant threat to the ecosystem.

A study published in July 2021 in the journal Environmental Research Letters sheds light on another concerning aspect of this warming: the rise in food prices. The research indicates that extreme heat is a major factor in this rise, particularly affecting lower-income countries. Examples include rising prices for staples like hazelnuts, coffee, and cocoa due to climate-induced harvest losses and disruptions.

The effects of climate change are being documented in real time. For instance, in July 2021, temperatures in Rovaniemi, Finland reached 30 degrees Celsius, unusually high for the city. This summer is likely to rank as the second worst fire season ever recorded in Canada, after 2023.

The study published in Environmental Research Letters focuses on the effects of extreme heat on climate change. Scientists are particularly interested in two aspects when studying climate change: the quantities of greenhouse gases sent into the atmosphere and the effects of these changes on the climate at a global or local level.

The increase in temperatures in Lapland, where Rovaniemi is located, is twice to three times the global average. By the end of the century, average temperatures could rise by 6 to 10 degrees in this region.

The thawing of permafrost in Arctic regions is another pressing issue. This process, often referred to as a "real time bomb," contains enormous quantities of methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a short-term warming power far superior to that of carbon dioxide. The release of methane will accelerate planetary warming, leading to even faster thawing of permafrost.

Forest fires in Canada have been a recurring issue, particularly in the Prairies, the west of the country, and the Maritimes. The pace of warming has accelerated over the past few decades, with an average rate of 0.27 degrees Celsius per decade, which is about 40% more than the average rate observed since 1970.

While there is a lack of consensus on the proportion of warming without aerosols, it is estimated to be up to 1 degree. Climate change becomes irreversible and amplified once a critical threshold is reached, known as a tipping point.

In conclusion, the effects of climate change are far-reaching and impact various aspects of our lives, including food prices and extreme weather events. It is crucial for us to continue monitoring these changes and take necessary actions to mitigate their impact.