• The Little Ice Age




The Little Ice Age

One of the most notable instances of historical climate change is the Little Ice Age, which is believed to have been caused by a decrease in sunspot activity. This period spanned from approximately 1300 to 1870. During this time, average temperatures were about 1 °C lower than today. The effects of the Little Ice Age included:

  • The Baltic Sea and several European rivers, including the Thames, froze over in winter.
  • Sea ice, which currently is much further north, extended as far south as Iceland.
  • Winters were significantly colder and longer, shortening the growing season by several weeks.
  • These harsh conditions resulted in widespread crop failures and famines.
  • Settlers deserted isolated regions like Greenland as survival became untenable.
  • The price of grain rose almost universally, leading to social unrest and rebellions.
  • Glaciers in the Alps and northern Europe expanded, engulfing towns and farmlands.




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