Amid a milder winter season, European construction productivity is experiencing a notable uptick. The reduced impact of harsh weather conditions has allowed construction projects to proceed more smoothly and efficiently.
(Photo : Pexels/Braeson Holland )
Warmer Winter in Europe
In a report titled 'Construction Companies See Efficiency Gains Due to Milder Winters,' ING senior economist Maurice van Sante noted that European construction builders are encountering reduced business disruption during the winter due to the warming climate.
Van Sante mentioned that, on average, temperature anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere surpassed levels observed in 1985 by approximately two degrees Celsius. In 1991, about half of the EU contractors reportedly claimed their activities had been restricted due to adverse weather conditions. As 2024's winter months progressed, this proportion declined to below 20%.
Moreover, the building industry has experienced a noticeable decrease in winter weather concerns, possibly related to increased temperatures. He asserted that Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands experienced the most precipitous decline in winter complaints.
Compared to their peers in Northern Europe, they likely need to prepare more for freezing weather. Although this is the case, these three nations also have the most significant decrease in winter condition disturbances.
More than 55% of the contractors in Germany in the nineties voiced their dissatisfaction with the winter weather. In the past ten years, this has reduced to a level that is less than 40%. While construction firms have received fewer complaints regarding disruptive winter weather, the inverse holds, albeit to a lesser extent, during the summer months of July and August.
On the other hand, the weather conditions are fewer than two percent of the EU contractors lodged complaints in 1991. By 2023, these figures had risen gradually to 4.6%. Therefore, even though it is still relatively insignificant, many contractors encounter problems related to the weather throughout the summer.
Also Read: Top 6 Most Efficient Energy Solutions in Construction
Negative Side of Warmer Winter
Carbon pollution is being produced due to burning fossil fuels. This causes the Earth to overheat dangerously, resulting in high heat, record winter temperatures, droughts, wildfires, and other forms of extreme weather.
Accordingly, there is no way to undo the damage already done to Earth. If we keep producing carbon pollution without taking action to stop it, things will only get worse.
Furthermore, a hot winter may also affect the environment. In regions that rely on snowmelt as their primary water source, a lack of snow and ice might reduce the amount of water available. A mild winter can disrupt plants' natural cycles, causing them to blossom earlier than usual. This can negatively impact pollinators and other animals that rely on these plants for sustenance.
Additionally, moderate winters may significantly impact the economy. A lack of snow and ice can lead to a drop in revenue for businesses dependent on winter weather, such as ski resorts and winter sports. Given that these industries frequently assist other companies in the region, this can also domino effect the surrounding area's economy.
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