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Regional Effects of Climate ChangeClimate Change Impacts in EuropeThe following climate change impacts are of particular concern to the people of Europe: Ecosystems: As elsewhere in the world, ecosystems would migrate poleward in Europe under most global warming scenarios. The tundra and taiga regions of Russia and Scandinavia would shrink as these biomes reach the Arctic Ocean and cannot migrate further northward. In parts of southern Europe, the current Mediterranean climate may become more arid and the ecosystem more desert-like. Rainfall: In this century rainfall has generally increased in northern Europe and decreased in southern Europe. This trend is projected to continue under global warming. Northern Europe may be more vulnerable to floods while southern Europe may become more susceptible to droughts. Glaciers: The small mountain glaciers in the Alps are susceptible to melting under global warming. The shrinking of these glaciers, the source of several important rivers in central Europe, could increase water flow short-term but decrease flow long-term in these bodies of water. Agriculture: As in other areas, the effects of climate change on agriculture may produce a north-south dichotomy in Europe. Northern and Eastern Europe could enjoy increased yields as a result of milder winters. Warmer temperatures and less precipitation could decrease output in Southern Europe. Coastal Erosion: Several areas in Europe, particularly the Netherlands, feature densely populated regions at or below sea levels. Sea level rise and enhanced storm activity imperil these areas.
Climate change effects in other regions:
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