Last year was very warm in Estonia. December was a special month. Mushrooms grew in the forest. A viper and a crane were also spotted.
Jana Põldnurk from the Environmental Agency spoke. She said that air temperatures are rising year after year. 2025 was the third warmest year. Only 2024 and 2020 were warmer. Since 1980, there has been no normal temperature.
Zoologist Uudo Timm said that nature is changing. When December has above-zero temperatures, some animals and birds are more active. For example, some birds that usually migrate are still in Estonia. Robins, redstarts, and nuthatches are still here. If winter doesn't come, they will have an advantage in spring.
With warm winters, lynxes and squirrels also remain active. Bark beetles threatening coniferous trees produce another generation. Some species are at risk, such as the ringed seal. The ringed seal needs ice for breeding.
Jana Põldnurk said that climate change is happening slowly. Estonians are adapting quickly. For example, you can ride a bike in mid-winter. Winters are shorter. There are fewer snowy and icy days. Spring comes earlier, but the weather can be bad.