Europe The Met Office warns that extreme 50C heatwaves could occur every three to four years if greenhouse gases continue to rise.
It stated that unless the world acts, Europe can expect ‘Lucifer” heatwaves by 2100.
Professor Peter Stott said to BBC Panorama: “The increasing chances for these extreme events continue rising.”
The Met Office warned that Europe can expect ‘Lucifer” heatwaves by 2100 unless the world acts (stock image).
In 2017, the first heatwave was named ‘Lucifero’ in Italy. It was a heatwave that swept across southern Europe with temperatures over 40c.
Italy reported another record high temperature in August 2021: 48.8C.
Professor Stott of the Met Office stated that: “We can be confident than ever before about linking extreme weather events and climate change.
“The science is clear that the more we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we can avoid the most severe effects of climate changes.”
Scientists believe there should be a global goal for reducing emissions to net zero by 2050 in order to prevent temperature rises above 1.5C (stock photo)
The new analysis was made as leaders and policy-makers from all over the world meet at Cop26 in Glasgow.
At the conference, several countries pledged their support. India announced that it would reduce its emissions to net zero by 2070. China also announced that it will achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Vietnam has committed to a net zero commitment by 2050.
Scientists agree that there must be a global goal for reducing emissions to net zero by 2050 in order to avoid temperature rises of more than 1.5C and prevent the worst effects of climate change.