Melting glaciers 'threaten UK'
Melting ice in the Arctic could end up costing Britain billions of pounds. Leading scientists have told ITV News that the country needs to prepare now for the increased threat of flooding caused by rising sea levels.
Melting ice in the Arctic could end up costing Britain billions of pounds. Leading scientists have told ITV News that the country needs to prepare now for the increased threat of flooding caused by rising sea levels.
A leading climate scientist has told ITV News that she believes it is "very likely" that the warming of the Arctic is affecting weather patterns in the northern hemisphere, and particularly in the UK.
Dr Jennifer Francis, a research professor at Rutgers University in the US, said the unusual weather in the UK is consistent with the theory that a warming Arctic is influencing the jet stream - the river of fast-moving air high above the Earth's surface.
ITV News' Science Editor Lawrence McGinty asked how far the UK's extended winter can be blamed on this effect:
How do scientists survive -30 degrees temperatures at Barneo, the temporary camp set up on floating ice near the North Pole?
Arctic glaciers are melting faster than expected fuelling a rise in sea levels, which experts believe could cost the UK billions of pounds.
As new figures show the record cold weather is persisting into April, the Met Office says it will investigate if Arctic melting is to blame.