The Devastating Climate Disaster of 536: Surviving Cold and Famine
The year 536 was a challenging time for people living in Scandinavia. The climate disaster, caused by a series of large volcanic eruptions, led to devastating consequences for the region.
Olof Sundqvist, a professor of religious history, described the suffering during that time as terrible. The eruption of multiple volcanoes in the south and north led to a significant amount of gas particles accumulating in the atmosphere. This caused a reduction in the amount of solar energy reaching the earth’s surface, resulting in three years of constant winter.
The cold weather had catastrophic effects, with half of Scandinavia’s population dying of cold and starvation in just a few years. People had to withstand extreme conditions in order to survive during this challenging period.
The impacts of the climate disaster of 536 are a stark reminder of the consequences of large-scale natural events. The devastating effects of the volcanic eruptions serve as a cautionary tale and highlight the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
For those interested in learning more about this historical event, the third paragraph of “The history of Sweden on SVT Play” or the program airing on 19/11 at 21:00 on SVT1 will provide additional information on this impactful period in Scandinavian history.