Effects of human-caused global heating are blocking vital winter rains, with severe implications for farming and tourism
, analysed weather data stretching back to 1850 and computer models replicating the climate back to AD850. It found that, before 1850 and the start of significant human greenhouse gas emissions, extremely large Azores highs occurred once every 10 years on average.
From 1850 to 1980, the frequency was once every seven years, but after 1980 this rose to every four years. Data showed that extremely large Azores highs slash average monthly rainfall in winter by about a third. Further data from chemical analysis of stalagmites in caves in Portugal show that low rainfall correlates closely with large Azores highs.
The computer simulations of the climate of the past millennium cover a period up to 2005. But other studies covering later years are consistent with new findings and the Azores high is expected to continue to expand, further increasing drought on the Iberian peninsula, until global carbon emissions are cut to net zero.“[Our findings] have big implications for the water resources that are available for agriculture and other water intensive industries or for tourism,” said Ummenhofer.
Spain also is the world’s biggest producer of olives and a major source of grapes, oranges, tomatoes and other produce. But rainfall has been declining by 5-10mm a year since 1950, with a further 10-20% drop in winter rains anticipated by the end of the century. Other research has projected a 30% decline in olive production in southern Spain production by 2100 and a fall in grape-growing regions across the Iberian peninsula of 25% to 99% by 2050 due to severe water shortages. Research in 2021 also linked the
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Inside an elite Melbourne men’s club decision to keep women out“We’ve recently returned from overseas and my wife is joining [the female-only club] next door and that’s where she should go, not here,” says a man in footage of an hour-long briefing that was leaked to The Age. | EXCLUSIVE
Read more »
Flying vehicles, drones and AAM get a flight path from CASA in a ‘new era of aviation’ says Skyportz CEOA national strategy for flying vehicles, which could be in the skies within a few years, shows Australia is prepared for a “new era of aviation,” says Skyportz CEO Clem Newton-Brown.
Read more »
Ryanair strike threat set to add to summer airport chaos in EuropePlanned action by the airline’s Spain-based cabin crew over working conditions will increase disruption for holidaymakers
Read more »
Bone loss suffered by astronauts in space may not be recovered on Earth, new study revealsA study of bone loss in 17 astronauts who flew aboard the International Space Station provides a fuller understanding of the effects of space travel on the human body and steps that can mitigate it.
Read more »
Sex on the beach: a beloved California fish wriggles ashore to spawnGrunion run has fascinated scientists and locals for decades, but their future is threatened by the climate crisis
Read more »
Sex on the beach: a beloved California fish wriggles ashore to spawnGrunion run has fascinated scientists and locals for decades, but their future is threatened by the climate crisis
Read more »