While there is much debate among scientists about how much we control our destiny, to what extent do we manage global warming and climate change (the two terms are not synonymous, they have different meanings), it is important to note that much of the change we are facing is a natural process. Many scientists argue that we should not be trying to stop or reverse warming, which is impossible and would waste unnecessary resources. They believe that by living a green lifestyle we can actually reduce the rate of warming somewhat. However, the main task for humanity would be to forecast what lies ahead by carefully and thoroughly analysing similar changes in the Earth’s past: to do our best to prepare for change, while trying to eliminate or reduce as many problems as possible, and then to adapt to change. These involve the following:

– the average temperature of the Earth’s surface rises by 1.4–5.8 °C.

– as glaciers and ice caps continue to melt, the land and sea areas covered by ice in the northern hemisphere are shrinking. This may be compounded by the prospect of the collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet.

– as the world’s seas rise, people in many coastal countries or regions will have to move.

– the number of storms and other climatic or related disasters (hurricanes, droughts, intense thunderstorms, periods of extreme heat or cold, floods, landslides, erosion) increases.

– the Greenland ice sheet will recede.

– in Asia, the monsoon becomes more volatile, more „capricious”.

– at parallel of latitude 45° or higher, annual rainfall can increase by 100-300 mm.

– in the lower parallel of latitudes (5-45°), annual precipitation can decrease by 100-700 mm.

– the Sahara is getting greener.

– much of the Amazon rainforest is disappearing.

– large parts of the boreal forests and Taiga disappear.

– the ocean currents are shifting.

Expected impacts in Hungary

1. We should expect further decline in groundwater level in the Homokhátság. In 1962-76, the average groundwater level was 280 cm. Between 1976-96, the water table was only 430 cm, and in 2025 it dropped to 632 (!) cm.

• The vegetation of the Great Hungarian Plain will be transformed, with drought-tolerant Mediterranean species becoming more common.

• Agriculture is also undergoing a major transformation due to the loss of irrigation water.

• Average temperatures will rise, with more extreme hot days in summer.

• The winters will be mild, so herbivorous insects will survive this period in large numbers.

• Forests are in decline, with some species, such as beech, likely to disappear from our territory.

• Weather anomalies such as devastating storms and floods are becoming more frequent in Hungary, too.