The snowfall episode which happened the last few weeks in Europe brought its wagon of crappy reactions, the typical kind of reactions stating that an example proves a scientific theory wrong. 'Oh my god, regarding all the snow, there cannot be a global warming, because if temperatures are getting higher, how could there be more snow during winter in Europe?'
Well, if you'd see a bit further than the facts, you'd know that the usual cool temperatures during winter in Europe are caused by a big current in the Atlantic Ocean coming from America and called the 'Gulf Stream'. Indeed, Montreal, where snow is abundant every winter during months, is located on the same latitude than Lyon, where there is rarely snow in winter.
However, Global Warming would cause the progressive disappearance of the Gulf Stream, making winter colder and bringing more snow.
Two conclusions come to my mind: first, it would be a good idea for European countries to get prepared of having loads of snow in winter, and therefore to stop looking ridiculous and force people to sleep in airports. Second, I tend to believe in a Global Warming caused or reinforced by human activities, however I wouldn't automatically conclude that a particular climatic episode confirms or contradicts the theory...
PS: that should mean more snowy Christmas in Europe in the future... and Christmas is actually Christmas if there is snow involved!
Well, if you'd see a bit further than the facts, you'd know that the usual cool temperatures during winter in Europe are caused by a big current in the Atlantic Ocean coming from America and called the 'Gulf Stream'. Indeed, Montreal, where snow is abundant every winter during months, is located on the same latitude than Lyon, where there is rarely snow in winter.
However, Global Warming would cause the progressive disappearance of the Gulf Stream, making winter colder and bringing more snow.
Two conclusions come to my mind: first, it would be a good idea for European countries to get prepared of having loads of snow in winter, and therefore to stop looking ridiculous and force people to sleep in airports. Second, I tend to believe in a Global Warming caused or reinforced by human activities, however I wouldn't automatically conclude that a particular climatic episode confirms or contradicts the theory...
PS: that should mean more snowy Christmas in Europe in the future... and Christmas is actually Christmas if there is snow involved!
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