Heatwaves have swept across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and even the Arctic Circle this summer. Finland has experienced a record 22 consecutive days with temperatures above 30°C. This heat has led to toxic algal blooms in lakes and the Baltic Sea, strained hospitals, and wildfires. Elderly individuals and those with health issues face significant risks due to the heat, commonly referred to as “tropical nights.”
The last major heatwave in the Nordic region, which occurred in 2018, resulted in about 750 deaths in Sweden. Experts expect the toll for this year could rise similarly when all data are processed.
Professor Friederike Otto from Imperial College London states, “No country is safe from climate change.” A report from World Weather Attribution notes that this heatwave was made at least ten times more likely due to global warming, which has already raised average temperatures by 1.3°C. This rise has almost doubled the chances of such extreme heat events occurring.
In Scandinavia, where homes are built to retain warmth, air conditioning is not common. People cope with the heat using simple methods, like keeping blinds closed during the day and opening windows for fresh air in the evenings. Many locals also enjoy heading to the water, taking quick swims after work or with family. In Finland, some ice hockey rinks have been converted to emergency cooling centers to help the community beat the heat.
The wildlife also suffers. Heat affects animal behavior, too. Reindeer, drawn to shaded areas, are increasingly coming close to human settlements. Maja Vahlberg from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre mentioned witnessing a reindeer remain in one patch of shade for three days without grazing, highlighting the serious strains of the heat.
In Lapland, the heat has driven reindeer away from their grazing grounds due to the rising insect population, pushing them towards towns. The Arctic region is warming four to five times faster than the rest of the world, exacerbating these issues.
Moving forward, indigenous Sámi herders might have to house reindeer in barns to protect them from the heat, which could change their traditional lifestyles. This gives us a glimpse of the broader implications of climate change on communities and cultures.
For further information on climate change’s effects, check the World Weather Attribution report.
