Global Warming Could Make Britain Colder

Date: 14/02/25

If you still need convincing about the benefits of hybrid generator hire, then consider this: if the world continues to warm at the rate that it is, the UK could easily become significantly colder. It’s not a pleasant thought, especially as we grind our way through a chilly February, but it is a real possibility.

Why would global warming make Britain colder?

The United Kingdom is on the same latitude as Canada and Moscow, yet it is significantly warmer than both. This is thanks to a complex system of ocean currents called Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). 

These currents bring warm water from the equator to the shores of Northern Europe, including the UK. This warm water heats the air above it, raising the temperature several degrees higher than it would normally be this far north.

However, the motion of these currents relies on the salinity of the water. With the ice caps melting and rainfall increasing, both due to climate change, this conveyor belt of warm water could slow down, or even stop.

When could this happen? 

Scientists are divided as to the likelihood of a collapse of the AMOC, but some are concerned that it could happen in just a few decades, or that it may have already started. Matthew England, professor of oceanography at the University of New South Wales, says that he has seen “a very clear signature and footprint of a classic AMOC slowdown,” and that “The more we stack up the atmosphere with greenhouse gases, the more we warm the system, the more chance we have of an AMOC slowdown and collapse.”

According to the National Oceanography Centre, a slowdown in the AMOC ‘will lead to major changes in regional climate as well as the generation of more extreme and violent weather systems that have the potential to cause major damage to people and property’. 

If the AMOC were to collapse completely, the UK could cool by a couple of degrees per decade until our temperatures resemble those of Northern Norway. That would make it “horribly, horribly cold,” as David Thornalley, professor of ocean and climate science at University College London chillingly describes it.

It’s not too late

As we say regularly in this blog, it’s never too late to make a difference by choosing hybrid generator hire from Think Hire. Every little helps in the battle to reduce carbon emissions and every one of us has a part to play. 

Hybrid generator hire helps you make the best of renewable energy from solar power, while still enjoying the peace of mind of a diesel generator back-up to guarantee consistency of supply at all times. Hybrid generator hire delivers the best of both worlds, while also delivering substantial savings on operating costs into the bargain.

"I think people need to not give up,” says Professor England, “because there's so much to be gained by reducing emissions. The scale of change is just so much worse if we do nothing.".

Switch to hybrid generator hire today

Solartainer Versatile hybrid generator hire is both flexible and fully portable, making it suitable for all kinds of sites. It can be used as a direct, like-for-like replacement for diesel generators up to 100kVA, so you can switch to hybrid power seamlessly, without disrupting site operations. What’s more, since all Think Hire equipment comes complete with state-of-the-art energy management technology, you’ll have all the information you need to get the optimum performance and best possible value out of your hybrid generator hire.

As you shiver in your site hut, it’s easy to think that a little global warming might not be a bad thing; but as you can see, it could leave you shivering even more. To play your part in stopping that from happening, get in touch with the team at Think Hire today and see how easily hybrid generator hire could cut the emissions on your site.

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