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Arctic Amplification: The Arctic region is warming 3-4 times faster than the global average.
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European Warming: Europe’s average temperature has risen by 2.4°C above pre-industrial levels, surpassing the global average of 1.3°C.
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2024 Records: 2024 was the warmest year on record for
both the planet and Europe. Southeastern Europe experienced its longest heatwave, and the number of ‘cold stress days’ was the lowest ever. -
Albedo Effect: Melting Arctic ice reduces the albedo effect (reflection of sunlight), leading to increased absorption of solar radiation by darker surfaces (water/land) and accelerated warming.
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Regional Differences: Eastern Europe was warmer and sunnier, while Western Europe experienced cloudier and wetter weather in 2024.
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Aerosol Reduction: Reduced aerosol emissions in Europe, while improving air quality, contribute to faster warming as aerosols scatter sunlight, reducing heat absorption.
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Contributing Factors: Other factors driving Europe’s
faster warming include changes in atmospheric circulation causing more heatwaves, higher sea-surface temperatures, urban heat island effect, and glacier melting. -
Global Impacts: Arctic Amplification disrupts jet streams, increases extreme weather events globally, and accelerates sea level rise.
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Vulnerable regions: Europe has the largest inhabited landmass in the polar region.
Arctic Warming
