Climate change leaves Europe without frosty days

Climate change is causing milder winters, with a greater number of days in which temperatures exceed 0 degrees Celsius, according to a report published by Climate Central and cited by AFP. The phenomenon has major implications for tourism, agriculture and health, especially in Europe, which is warming faster than other regions.

Among the conclusions of the study are the following: - Significant loss of frost days. Of the 123 countries analyzed, 44 have lost the equivalent of at least a week of frosty days annually due to global warming. This trend affects 393 of the 901 cities included in the study. - Europe, the fastest warming. The analysis, based on data from the period 2014-2023, shows that Europe has lost a significant number of days with temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius, especially in Denmark and the Baltic states. In France, the number of days with positive temperatures during winter has increased by more than 10 days per year, especially in the north and east of the country. The study uses meteorological observations compared with simulated climate models for a world unaffected by the use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas.

Impact of warmer winters:

-Tourism and winter sports: Snow and ice, emblematic elements of winter, are rapidly disappearing in many regions, affecting winter sports and local economies dependent on tourism.

-Agriculture: Fruit crops such as apples and peaches, which require prolonged periods of cold to bloom and bear fruit, may be compromised.

-Public health: Cold helps control populations of disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. Shorter winters could encourage their growth, amplifying health risks. Warmer temperatures encourage the spread of pollen, which can worsen seasonal allergies.

- Drinking water resources: Warmer days are reducing snowpack, which is an important source of drinking water in many regions, especially in the spring and summer months.

- Cultural traditions and ecosystems: The disappearance of cold winters threatens cold-adapted ecosystems, as well as cultural traditions associated with the winter season.

"Snow, ice and cold weather, symbols of the winter season, are rapidly disappearing in many places, threatening ecosystems, economies and cultural traditions," said Kristina Dahl, scientific coordinator of Climate Central. The authors of the study warn that this rapid climate change requires urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, noting the severe impacts already visible on the global environment and economy. Europe, as the most affected region, must take both adaptation and mitigation measures to protect vulnerable sectors and reduce the negative effects on the population.