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.