Heat waves intensify and linger longer due to climate change
A recent study revealed that climate change is causing heat waves to slow down, prolonging their duration and increasing their intensity, affecting more people worldwide.
Seth Borenstein reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Since 1979, heat waves are moving 20% slower and occurring 67% more often, exposing people to prolonged high temperatures.
- The study, published in Science Advances, shows heat waves last longer, with the area under heat domes expanding significantly.
- Researchers highlight the growing adverse impacts on society, including health risks and environmental strain.
Key quote:
"This paper sends a clear warning that climate change makes heat waves yet more dangerous in more ways than one."
— Michael Wehner, climate scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
Why this matters:
Climate change has increasingly influenced the pattern, intensity, and duration of heat waves across the globe, signaling a stark departure from historical norms. Scientists attribute this shift to the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health conditions, are particularly at risk.
Be sure to read EHN’s coverage during the historic 2021 heat waves: Worsening heat waves are hammering the disabled community.
