WWF-UK: Climate Update - May 2008
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Climate Update - May 2008
Wednesday 11 June 2008
May 2008 was the warmest, the 4th driest and the 8th sunniest May ever recorded in Scotland.
The year so far:
May was the warmest May ever in the Scottish records, which go back to 1914. It was also the 4th driest ever with only 34% of the usual rain for May. March and April were both rather average, apart from very wet conditions in April in eastern Scotland. February was more than two degrees centigrade warmer than the long-term average. This January was more than a degree centigrade warmer than the long-term average and the 3rd wettest January ever recorded.
Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland, said:
"Despite warnings that 2008 might be a cooler year than those we've experienced in recent times, May has smashed another temperature record. Already this year, two months have been more than 2 degrees centigrade warmer than the long-term average.
"While enjoying some unexpected sun here in Scotland, we must not forget that climate change is hitting other parts of the world much harder than us. May also saw the devastating Cyclone Nargis hit Burma, with over 130,000 people killed or missing, and climate change is forecast to make storms worse around the world.
"As the evidence that our climate is changing continues to grow, it is vital that governments step up measures to tackle the problem," continued Dr Dixon. "The response to those protesting for lower fuel prices should be co-ordinated long term action to end our addiction to fossil fuels, not short term price cuts that are good for neither businesses, people, nor the planet.
"The Scottish Government is currently thinking about what to put in its Climate Change Bill. With 20,000 consultation responses from around world they have had a strong message that people want this to be the world's best climate bill and for Scotland to set the benchmark for other developed countries," concluded Dixon.
May was the warmest May ever in the Scottish records, which go back to 1914. It was also the 4th driest ever with only 34% of the usual rain for May. March and April were both rather average, apart from very wet conditions in April in eastern Scotland. February was more than two degrees centigrade warmer than the long-term average. This January was more than a degree centigrade warmer than the long-term average and the 3rd wettest January ever recorded.
Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland, said:
"Despite warnings that 2008 might be a cooler year than those we've experienced in recent times, May has smashed another temperature record. Already this year, two months have been more than 2 degrees centigrade warmer than the long-term average.
"While enjoying some unexpected sun here in Scotland, we must not forget that climate change is hitting other parts of the world much harder than us. May also saw the devastating Cyclone Nargis hit Burma, with over 130,000 people killed or missing, and climate change is forecast to make storms worse around the world.
"As the evidence that our climate is changing continues to grow, it is vital that governments step up measures to tackle the problem," continued Dr Dixon. "The response to those protesting for lower fuel prices should be co-ordinated long term action to end our addiction to fossil fuels, not short term price cuts that are good for neither businesses, people, nor the planet.
"The Scottish Government is currently thinking about what to put in its Climate Change Bill. With 20,000 consultation responses from around world they have had a strong message that people want this to be the world's best climate bill and for Scotland to set the benchmark for other developed countries," concluded Dixon.
