Introduction
Europe is one of the smallest continents, but with a very good record of development in history. This is because of its location on the planet earth and various climates that have favored many sectors such as agriculture, fishing and transport. This paper discusses the role of climate in Europe and how the climate contributes to its growth and development. The three types of climate which will be discussed include the marine west coast, the Mediterranean and the continental.
One of these types of climate is a marine west coast climate that mainly influences the life of the northern parts of Europe This climate is temperate and mild. The climate keeps the continent warmer compared to other areas that are located at the same latitude. This unique and favorable climate makes Europe shine in agriculture and trade. In addition, the westerly winds bring a moderate air from the Atlantic ocean during winter and summer seasons. ("Europe: Resources" 2012). They prevent the cold arctic air from entering the continent, thus making the area warmer and receive more rainfall yearly. This climate makes it easier for growing of crops and keeping of animals. Crops grown include rapeseed, potatoes and wheat among others. Livestock kept include sheep, cattle, and many more. The continent is also known for its best man-made and natural forests. These industries are paper products, construction, woodworking, and furniture produce. Moreover, Europe contains medicinal plants that assist a lot in the field of production and extraction of medicine. This makes Europe to be globally known for its unique and best medicines and other important drugs (World Bank 2008).
The mediterranean climate covers most of southern Europe. These include countries such as Spain, southern France, Portuga, Italy and Greece ("Europe: Resources" 2012). These areas experience almost rainless summers, but rainy winters. With that, the countries are known to produce lots olive and grapes. The sea offers many opportunities for aquatic production that provides the European nations with almost a half all the continents fish catches. The leading fishing countries are the one that mostly borders the Mediterranean Sea. Sea region unites twenty two countries and is the largest semi-enclosed sea in Europe with a coastline of forty six thousand kilometers. In addition to that, it opens a gateway to African and Asian countries such as Tunisia and Morocco. The sea is also considered as the busiest shipping route with almost a third of world’s ship transportation every year this makes it easy for many different people all over the world to easily access Europe and carry out different activities such as trade. Marine activities such as fishing are also carried out there. Besides, the Mediterranean Sea and its climate have brought a greater cooperation and coordination among European, African, and Asian countries countries that border it. The cooperation is via trading and other social activities. Since the past, European countries have been able to access raw materials and other goods and services from Africa and Asia, thus triggering its fast development (Fagan 2004).
Marine west coast climate is the major one characterized by relatively warm summers and cool winters and heavy rainfall throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean that affects the flow of winds and currents. The westerly winds carry moisture and distribute it to the areas, making the northern Europe lack dry seasons. Moreover, precipitation is adequate and reliable and the sky is always cloudy throughout the year. The temperatures are known to be cool. However, some parts of northern Europe quite extremely cold. This favors production of varieties of crops and growth of vegetation. Perhaps it provides a good home for most plants and animals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the marine west coast climate helps with development of northern Europe through favoring agriculture. The Mediterranean climate open ways for fishing and transportation. The continental climate promotes the country's development by providing mining sites With these three types of climate Europe countries have always been stable in terms of wealth and knowledge. This has brought unity and peace among the countries. In addition to that, the good climate has made Europe to control some of the world market of some of the crucial products such as clover, grapes and ornaments. These countries also support the weak and undeveloped countries in Africa and Asia.
Bibliography
Fagan, Brian M. The long summer : how climate changed civilization. New York: Basic Books, 2004.
World Bank. Weather and climate services in Europe and Central Asia : a regional review. Washington, D.C.: World Bank, 2008.
"Europe: Resources". 2012. National Geographic Society. http://nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/europe-resources/.
