Chinese scientists predict that by 2100 the countries of the Northern Hemisphere will face catastrophic climatic changes. The results of their research are cited by the site Phys.org.
Scientists have come to the conclusion that in 80 years in the Northern Hemisphere, summer will last almost six months, if measures are not taken to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“The summers are getting longer and hotter, and the winters are shorter and warmer due to global warming,” experts say.
A new study found that, on average, summer increased from 78 to 95 days between 1952 and 2011, while winter decreased from 76 to 73 days. Spring and autumn also fell from 124 to 115 days and from 87 to 82 days, respectively.
“Numerous studies have already shown that changing seasons poses significant risks to the environment and health,” said study author Yupin Guang.
For example, birds change routes and timing of migration, and plants begin to bloom during an unusual period for them. These changes can create problems finding food for animals, leading to serious disruptions in natural communities.
The change of seasons will damage agriculture as well, the article says. A false spring or late snowfall can ruin yields.
A longer flowering period will result in people breathing in more allergy-causing pollen. And mosquitoes that carry diseases can expand their habitat to the north.
This shift in seasons could lead to more devastating weather events, said Chinese meteorologist Tsongwen Zhu, commenting on the study’s findings. He recalled that hot summer threatens the world with forest fires.