Scientists have just pieced together 150 years of New Zealand climate history, revealing cool spells driven by volcanic eruptions - and the growing handprint of climate change. Photo / Leon MenziesScientists have just pieced together 150 years of New Zealand climate history, revealing cool spells driven by volcanic eruptions - and the growing handprint of climate change. Major eruptions like Tarawera in 1886 have been shown to cause temporary dips in New Zealand's average temperature. But study co-author and prominent climate scientist Professor James Renwick, of Victoria University, pointed out other human-driven effects have also changed our climate. At the current rate, the global average temperature is likely to cross the threshold of 1.5C above the pre-industrial level within the next 10 to 20 years.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 28, 2020 22:41 UTC