Human resilience shines during the Little Ice Age, a period of intense cooling from the 14th to 19th centuries. Europe, Alaska, and the North Atlantic battled severely low temperatures. While the exact cause is unclear, theories range from volcanic activity to changes in Earth’s orbit. One compelling idea suggests the decline of Indigenous populations in North America allowed forests to reclaim farmland, absorbing massive amounts of carbon and triggering the climate shift.
Origins of the Term ‘Little Ice Age’
The term Little Ice Age was introduced by François Matthes, a Dutch geologist who noted in his 1939 report that glaciers in California’s Sierra Nevada had experienced a resurgence at some point over the past several thousand years. Since then, the term has been used routinely by scholars.
While the exact timeline of the occurrence is still unknown, scientists have attempted to pinpoint the timing. According to British climate scientist Hubert Lamb’s analysis of centuries-old temperature records from Europe, there was a notably warm climate from around AD 1000 to AD 1200. The period was followed by falling temperatures that lasted between the 14th and 19th centuries. The period with cold temperatures was referred to as the Little Ice Age.
How Greenland and the Dutch Republic Adapted to the Climate Change
The Little Ice Age changed people’s lives. Scientists have found evidence of increased seafaring activity in some regions where there was more sea ice. For example, from the early 1600s, there was an increase in whale-hunting activities in some parts of Europe. This was because there was not enough plant oil. Subsequently, whale oil became a suitable alternative.
The years between 16th and 18th centuries were a time of growth In places such as the Dutch Republic. Despite being affected by the Little Ice Age, the nation was able to survive by importing farm produce to offset the diminished harvests. Ships carrying trade goods enabled the republic’s economy to thrive by enhancing trade. The fluyt, a specific model of ships designed to carry cargo across seas, was developed during this period. As a result, the Dutch did well while many of their neighbors struggled.
At the same time, advancements in Dutch ship-building technology as well as changes in ocean currents allowed Dutch ships to reach far-away markets faster. Creative Dutch citizens, for example, created icebreakers to enable ships to sail more easily across ice-covered waters. The ships featured modified ship hulls and keels that allowed them to break through the ice more easily.
In places such as Greenland, the climate grew colder and harsher after 1250. Greenland was largely cut off by ice from the 1400s until the 1700s. As a result, the Norse Viking inhabitants there were compelled to slowly change their diet away from farmed produce. By the early 1300s, seal-hunting increased as seals made up a significant portion of their food. Elsewhere in Europe, people starved due to failed harvests and food prices skyrocketed.
How England Coped with the Climate Change
In the late 1600s, the Little Ice Age caused fuel prices in England to rise since more people needed to warm their homes. Notably, the River Thames froze over.
During that period, the poor turned to the wealthy for charity. As life in places such as London became more difficult for London’s poor to survive following major job losses, there was diminished money circulation. The same situation was unfolding across Europe. To try and address the situation, King Charles II of England asked the Bishop of London in 1684 to collect money for the poor in the city and nearby towns. He also provided funds from the royal treasury for the endeavor.
Support from local churches and contributions from rich people through the church kept many from dying of hunger. Because of this, England is estimated to have experienced fewer deaths compared to countries like France which was hit hard, especially following the period which led to unprecedented famine. Even so, the harsh winter of 1684 still caused many deaths.
