The jet stream - you may have come across this term before if you are interested in weather phenomena. But what exactly is behind this term and what role does it play in climate action? In this article, we want to introduce you to the jet stream and explain how it influences the climate.

The jet stream is a strong, fast-moving current of air that runs in the upper atmosphere, about 8 to 15 kilometers above the earth. It is like an invisible river of air that moves from west to east, affecting large areas. There are several jet streams on Earth, but the best known is the "polar jet stream", which runs in the higher latitudes around the polar regions.

Why is the jet stream important? It influences weather patterns and climatic conditions on Earth. The jet stream determines whether cold polar winds reach Europe or North America or whether mild, warm air from southern regions penetrates these areas. Its movement can intensify or weaken storms and weather extremes such as heat waves, floods or periods of drought.

But the jet stream is not just a natural phenomenon - it is also influenced by climate change. Researchers have discovered that the jet stream changes as the Earth warms. If the poles are warming faster than the rest of the planet, the jet stream can move more slowly and less stably. As a result, weather phases can last longer - for example, a prolonged drought or a prolonged period of rain. These changes have an impact on agriculture, the water supply and also on people's quality of life.

It is therefore important for climate action to closely monitor the jet stream and how it changes. By understanding how the jet stream works and how it reacts to climate change, we can better respond to extreme weather events and take action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The jet stream is therefore not just an exciting phenomenon of the atmosphere, but an important factor that shows how climate change influences our weather patterns. If we understand this process and advocate climate action measures, we can help to reduce the negative impact on our climate and our environment.