The claim
In 2000, Mojib Latif predicted that there would no longer be winters with severe frosts and lots of snow in our latitudes. This statement has often been quoted in the context of discussions about climate change.
Our conclusion
Latif was misquoted. His forecast covered the period 2050 to 2100 and assumed that no climate protection measures would be taken.
A statement by Mojib Latif from 2000, which was published in Der Spiegel, is often quoted in social media and discussions about climate change.
The statement read: “Winter with severe frost and lots of snow like twenty years ago will no longer occur in our latitudes.”
Correction of Mojib Latif's statement
Claim: Spiegel in 2000 that there would soon be no more winters with ice and snow in Central Europe.
Our verdict: Misinterpreted. Mojib Latif clarified that Spiegel had misquoted him at the time. His forecast covered the period between 2050 and 2100 and depended on whether climate protection measures were taken.
Latif's statement on his prognosis
Fact: In an interview with “Zeit Online” in 2012, Latif explained that his statement at the time was misrepresented and referred to a longer-term period and under the condition of a lack of climate protection measures. (Source: https://www.zeit.de/wissen/umwelt/2012-02/mojib-latif-klimaskepsis-interview/komplettansicht )
Now what does this all mean?
Mojib Latif's original statement, published in Der Spiegel in 2000, stating that "winter with severe frost and lots of snow like twenty years ago will no longer exist in our latitudes" has been misinterpreted or misquoted. Latif's clarification in a later interview with "Zeit Online" in 2012 indicates that:
- Misrepresentation of his words: Latif claims that his words were misrepresented in the mirror. He clarified that he was not saying that there would soon be no more winters with ice and snow.
- Long-term time frame: His forecast covered a much longer period of time - namely between the years 2050 and 2100. This means that his predictions relate to climatic changes that could only become noticeable in a few decades.
- Condition of lack of climate protection measures: Latif's forecast was based on the scenario that no effective climate protection measures will be taken. That is, his prediction about the change in winters took into account the possibility that, without climate protection measures, significant changes in the climate and thus in weather phenomena such as winter could occur.
In summary, Latif's clarification means that his statement about the future of winters in our latitudes should not be understood as an immediate prediction for the next few years, but as a long-term forecast under certain circumstances. This highlights the importance of climate action and the need to take comprehensive action to avoid or mitigate potentially drastic climate changes in the future.
Conclusion: Misinterpretation and context are crucial
Mojib Latif's oft-quoted statement has been taken out of context and misinterpreted. Latif's actual forecast covered a longer period of time and was dependent on the development of climate protection. It is important to view such quotes in the proper context and understand their actual meaning.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date. Also explore our extensive media education offering .
You might also be interested in:
Climate change myths: A fact check
Fact check: Climate impact of the Ukraine war
Myth or fact: Are wind turbines causing drought and global warming?
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )