Finnish researchers highlight climate change concerns amid unusually warm autumn temperatures

As Finland experiences an unusually warm early autumn, many revel in the heat and sunshine, yet conflicting emotions linger as the unseasonable warmth serves as a reminder of climate change. Rising average temperatures in Finland are contributing to extreme weather events, including heat records.

Hannele Korhonen, a research professor at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, expressed in a recent interview, “Human experiences often involve contradictory feelings about various situations. One can enjoy the warmth while also being aware of the negative implications that arise and recognizing the need for action against this significant issue.”

Maria Hällfors, a senior researcher at the Finnish Environment Institute, echoed these sentiments. She noted that while it may be fascinating for enthusiasts or researchers to observe changes in nature and the arrival of new species, there is genuine concern about the reasons behind these changes.

Researchers emphasize that record temperatures require specific meteorological conditions for warm air to flow into Finland, and climate change is altering these conditions, increasing the likelihood of heat records. Additionally, Finland’s natural environment is undergoing significant transformations. Many species are adapting to unique seasonal variations, though some, including the Arctic fox, are struggling to find new habitats as the climate warms.

Despite these challenges, Korhonen and Hällfors remain cautiously optimistic about humanity’s ability to mitigate climate change, citing improved prospects over the past two decades. However, urgent action is required to cut global emissions drastically. Korhonen stated, “I am cautiously optimistic, but we still have an immense amount of work ahead.”