Deserts, tornadoes, and new viruses: ecologists reveal what Ukraine will be like by 2100
Climate scientists have created a probable forecast of how climatic conditions in Ukraine will change in the next 50-100 years.
Ukraine may become similar to Australia by 2100. At least, that's what scientists and climatologists say.
How exactly the climate in our country will change in the next 50-100 years, what to expect from the weather, and whether we and our descendants will have anything to eat - said the head of the permanent commission on environmental policy of the Kyiv City State Administration, Kostiantyn Yalovyi, on his Facebook page, referring to the research of BBC-Ukraine journalists.
- Hot and dry summer
In this century, the climate in Ukraine will become warmer and drier. The territory will gradually desertify from southeast to northwest. This will bring dry and hot summers. Long dry periods will alternate with short but heavy downpours.
- Unstable winter
Although winters in Ukraine will generally get warmer, one should prepare for "temperature swings". Anomalous cold spells from the Arctic with heavy snowfalls will periodically reach us. At the same time, long snowy periods will become less frequent.
- Tornadoes and other anomalies
Extreme weather phenomena will become common for Ukrainians. Drought and strong winds will cause dust storms. Unpredictable climate will lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of other anomalies: fires, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes, heavy precipitation.
- Loss of chernozems
Due to climate change, most of the famous Ukrainian chernozems will turn into a zone of "risky agriculture". Soybeans and corn, the main export crops, will have to be forgotten. New conditions will allow only wheat and sunflowers to be successfully grown.
- Species migration
Changes in living conditions will lead to the migration of flora and fauna. Already, previously unseen pink pelicans, jackals, and steppe foxes from Central Asia have moved to us. And very soon, the fauna of Ukraine may be replenished with new species of venomous snakes, land turtles, many insects, and birds.
- Viral threat
Warming also threatens the spread of new diseases in Ukraine. New species of animals, birds, and insects can spread diseases such as avian flu, West Nile fever, Lyme disease, and rabies.
"The scenario under which the described climate changes are possible assumes that by 2100 the planet's overall temperature will rise by 2-2.5 degrees. This is the most likely of the forecasts. However, if humanity does not actively enough counteract global warming, there is a risk of a pessimistic scenario. If the average temperature rises by 3-4 degrees, Ukraine risks turning into a desert quite quickly," the official states.