Europe’s sweltering heat wave is proof of climate change

There are reports that the UK Met Office did a crystal-ball gazing estimate two years ago about what temperatures might look like in 2050 because of climate change.

Most of the predictions are coming true this week, 28 years early than predicted.

As the whole of Europe swelters in another summer heat wave (they have become more frequent in the last decade), London is predicted to hit 40°C, a temperature considered extreme even here in South Africa at the height of summer.

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The latest weather anomalies are being touted as proof that, not only is climate change real, it may be accelerating.

And, the blame is being laid squarely at the door of humankind.

Ironically, Europe, which is suffering now, has been in the forefront of the campaign to reduce CO2 emissions, which are blamed for rising global temperatures.

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However, it is no good us sitting back and smirking. We live on the same planet and any climate affects will also be felt by us in the developing South.

We have already experienced the destruction of abnormal rains, which caused the KwaZulu-Natal floods,
as well as other more localised damage.

We better start preparing ourselves for much more climate-caused chaos in the future.

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NOW READ: Tackling climate change a national priority for SA, says Ramaphosa

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By Editorial staff
Read more on these topics: climate changeEditorials