What is climate change?

Average temperatures are rising

Since the late 19th century, the average global temperature has risen by just over one degree. Scientists regard this as a significant and rapid increase. Measurements also show that the rate of temperature rise has accelerated over the past 50 years. In some parts of the world, the temperature has risen by considerably more than one degree, whilst in others the increase has been smaller.

In Sweden, the rise in temperature has been greater than in many other parts of the world. Among other things, this has resulted in higher annual rainfall and, in addition, less snow and ice during the winter. The growing season has lengthened, and periods of heat have become more frequent and more intense.

Caused by humans

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has established that humans are behind the rapid climate change we are now witnessing. The primary cause is carbon dioxide emissions from oil, coal, gas and other fossil fuel sources, as these drive the greenhouse effect. Deforestation and land use can also have a negative impact on the climate.

On the SMHI website, you can access reports from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Risks to society are increasing

It is not possible to state with certainty that any single extreme weather event we see today in Sweden or elsewhere in the world is due to climate change. However, scientists’ calculations show that the risk of heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall and several other types of extreme weather is increasing in a warmer climate – something which, in turn, can lead to, for example, more forest fires and floods. Some extreme weather events that have occurred in recent years have been assessed as highly unlikely had it not been for global warming.

These extreme events can also affect the supply of food and drinking water, as well as increasing the risk of disease and infection.