Italy’s bustling metropolises, Rome and Milan, faced their hottest summers in over half a century in 2022, according to the national statistics agency Istat. This surge in temperatures underscores the escalating impacts of climate change across Europe.
Istat released the 2022 climate data on Tuesday, revealing that the average temperature in Italy's regional capitals reached 16.6°C, a staggering 1.7°C above the \"climate normal\" established between 1981 and 2010. This marks the highest annual average since records began, highlighting a persistent warming trend.
Rome and Milan bore the brunt of this heatwave, recording temperature anomalies of 2.7°C and 2.5°C higher than average, respectively. These figures not only reflect sudden temperature spikes but also signify a long-term shift in Italy’s climate patterns.
Adding to the concerns, 2022 was the second driest year for Italy’s regional capitals since 1971, with an average rainfall of just 576 millimeters. Only 2007 saw less precipitation, exacerbating drought conditions, particularly in southern regions like Sicily, which is currently grappling with severe water shortages.
Climate change monitoring by the European Union has already identified this year’s summer as the warmest in the northern hemisphere on record. While the 2022 temperatures are likely lower than those of 2023, the trend is clear: Italy is becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with the southern part of the country being especially hard-hit.
The relentless rise in temperatures and decreasing rainfall not only threaten Italy’s natural ecosystems but also pose significant challenges to its urban infrastructure and public health. As cities expand and populations grow, the need for sustainable solutions becomes ever more critical.
Experts emphasize that these climate anomalies are harbingers of what’s to come if global warming remains unchecked. The situation in Rome and Milan serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and communities worldwide to prioritize climate resilience and sustainable development.
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Rome, Milan bear brunt as Italy's cities swelter, data shows
cgtn.com
