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From Myth to Reality: Why Did the 'Cerberus' Heat Wave Make Europe Experience Unprecedented Heat?
In 2023, Europe experienced unprecedented high temperatures, the most notable of which was the heat wave called "Cerberus", which began to affect many European countries on July 10. The heat wave, named after Pluto's dog from Greek mythology, has had its worst effects in certain areas of south-eastern and south-western Europe, such as Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Spain, according to meteorological experts. The heat wave not only broke temperature records in many places, but also triggered health warnings and government response actions. The heat from North Africa was felt across the world. ”
Multiple reports indicate that 2023 may experience a more intense heat wave than 2022.
According to a report by the British Met Office, the temperatures in 2023 have deeply shocked climate experts across Europe, especially in the context of climate change, where heat waves will become the norm in the future. As early as June, the European Environment Agency warned that schools and hospitals were facing challenges caused by high temperatures.
Background
In January 2023, at least eight European countries recorded the warmest January in history. This phenomenon is generally considered to be a direct consequence of climate change. Experts point out that the heat wave in 2023 is closely related to man-made atmospheric changes. More than two billion people around the world are suffering from climate warming every day. This impact worsens the high temperature conditions in the southern United States, southern Europe and even South Asia when summer comes, leading to the occurrence of extreme weather and ecological disasters.
“Even in 2022, when many countries have prevention plans in place, more than 60,000 people will still die from heat stress, showing that current adaptation strategies are still insufficient.” — Hicham Achebak
According to NASA senior scientist Katherine Calvin, future warming mainly depends on human emissions behavior. Current data suggest that the number of heat-related deaths is likely to increase significantly in the future as the upsurge continues, even as governments begin to implement different response strategies.
Overview of the situation in various countries
Albania
Albania hit an all-time high temperature record of 44°C (111°F) during the heat wave.
Austria
Austria began to feel temperatures above 40°C (104°F) on June 18, reaching record highs in some places.
Greece
Greece recorded 44.2°C (111.6°F) on July 15 and announced that it would temporarily close the Acropolis in Athens during the midday period when exposed to such high temperatures.
As climate change continues, these incidents are no longer isolated cases, but are becoming a common problem across Europe. Some countries, such as Italy and Greece, have prepared very specific plans to reduce the impact of high temperatures on their populations.
“Future warmth depends on future emissions.” — Katherine Calvin
Spain
Spain has been experiencing rising temperatures since April, which has affected agriculture and led to a number of heat strokes.
UK
Although the UK did not experience a defined heat wave during the summer, its average temperatures hit record highs, and relevant early warning systems have been activated to deal with possible high temperatures in the future.
Shifts in the climate system
With the arrival of extreme weather, many countries are undergoing important changes in their climate systems, including droughts, heavy rains, and the resulting floods and soil erosion. Warnings and response measures need to be adjusted accordingly to protect people's lives and property.
How should we respond?
Although governments around the world have begun to formulate prevention plans, in the face of the pressure brought by climate change, more policies, actions and raising social awareness will be the direction in which continued efforts must be made in the future. The links between public health and climate response are also stronger than ever. Will a challenge from myth to reality become a common issue for our next generation?
