Climate change is making our summers more extreme

Scientists have been able to more directly link extreme weather, like the floods that hit Central Europe last month, to climate change. A changed climate could also mean hotter summers – and with that, more deaths.

Europe’s summer got off to a torrential start this year as severe flooding struck much of the continent. At least 18 people were killed in May 2016 in the heavy downpours and ensuing floods that hit France, Germany, Belgium and Romania.

The River Seine in France burst its banks as waters reached their highest levels in more than 30 years, while in the German state of Bavaria, surging floodwaters crushed houses and cars, forcing some residents to climb to safety on their rooftops.

Holidaymakers planning trips to Europe may well have second thoughts, while locals are asking whether climate change is playing a role. According to researchers, the answer – at least in France – was: probably. Read More…