Did you know that from June 2023 to May 2024, every month was the hottest ever recorded globally? This period was recognized as the warmest in at least 125,000 years, according to the IPCC. This shows how serious climate change has become, impacting weather patterns everywhere, including Luxembourg.
It’s crucial to understand the difference between global climate and local weather. Just because it might feel cool outside doesn’t mean the planet isn’t warming on average. Climate change is about long-term trends, not just one hot or cold year. Climate scientists often rely on 30-year averages to identify significant patterns.
When we zoom in on Luxembourg, the temperature has risen by around 1.6 °C since the late 19th century, which aligns closely with global warming trends. In fact, all of Luxembourg’s ten hottest years recorded have occurred since 2003.
Looking at a recent study, scientists agree that over 99% of published research supports the idea that human activity is behind this warming. The increase of CO₂ in our atmosphere is a major factor, with levels higher than they have been for two million years.
In Luxembourg, the number of extremely hot days—those surpassing 30 °C—has increased from about 2.8 days per year in the early ’90s to nearly 10 recently. Conversely, the number of heavy rain events has also risen, likely due to warmer air holding more moisture. With every degree Celsius increase in temperature, air can store 7% more water vapor.
However, it’s not all about heat. Droughts are becoming more common as well. The drought index shows that while historical droughts were mostly restricted to summer months, they now occur nearly year-round except in January and December. This can have effects on agriculture, impacting everything from crop yields to water supply.
Interestingly, while average precipitation seems stable, winter rainfall has surged, and spring is noticeably drier. Snow days have dramatically decreased, with an average reduction from 41 to just 25 days per year since the 1990s.
These changes in climate not only affect temperatures but also have profound implications for agriculture, ecosystems, and how we live in Luxembourg.
In summary, yes, it’s getting warmer, the number of hot days is increasing, and we’re observing more extreme weather events, including both heavier rains and droughts. Our snow cover is shrinking, too. Climate changes are palpable not only in Luxembourg but across the globe.
For further insights on how human actions have accelerated climate change, you can refer to trusted resources like the IPCC reports. Understanding these trends is vital for making informed decisions about our future.
