The climate crisis is leading to extreme temperatures that are putting our power supply, economy, crops, drinking water, health, and in some cases, our survival at risk.

Global Warming worsens Heat Waves

"Every heatwave that what we are experiencing today has been made hotter and more frequent because of climate change," said Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London, who also co-leads the World Weather Attribution research collaboration. Global warming is already driving extreme heat events.

"On average on land, heat extremes that would have happened once every 10 years without human influence on the climate are now three times more frequent," said ETH Zurich climate scientist Sonia Seneviratne.

Temperatures will only cease rising if humans stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Until then, heatwaves are set to worsen. A failure to tackle climate change would see heat extremes escalate even more dangerously.” - CNN

Infrastructure

“Roads and airport runways buckling. Train tracks warping. Bridges swelling. These are just some of the damaging effects extreme heat has had on critical infrastructure in recent years, as heat waves have become more frequent and intense — a stark reminder, experts say, of the need to adjust quickly to a warming planet.” - Washington Post

Heat and Health

“Heat stress occurs in humans when the body is unable to cool itself effectively. Normally, the body can cool itself through sweating, but when humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, potentially leading to heat stroke. High humidity and elevated nighttime temperatures are likely key ingredients in causing heat-related illness and mortality. When there’s no break from the heat at night, it can cause discomfort and lead to health problems, especially for those who lack access to cooling, which are often people who have low incomes. Other groups that are particularly vulnerable to heat stress include older adults, infants and children, people with chronic health conditions, and outdoor workers… Hot days are also associated with increases in heat-related illnesses, including cardiovascular and respiratory complications and kidney disease.” - C2ES

More Reading

• CBS, Summer heat hits Asia early, killing dozens as one expert calls it the "most extreme event" in climate history