heat waves
Newsletter
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Heat waves and extreme weather highlight climate tipping points
Global temperatures hit unprecedented highs this week, raising alarms about the planet's future stability.
In short:
- Earth’s average temperature has exceeded 1.5°C above preindustrial levels since last July.
- Record-breaking temperatures led to deadly heat waves, wildfires typhoons worldwide.
- Scientists warn that these events indicate a weakening resilience of natural systems.
Key quote:
“The extreme events that we are now experiencing are indications of the weakening resilience of these systems. We cannot risk pushing this any further.”
— Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures and increased frequency of extreme weather events threaten global ecosystems and human health. Immediate action to reduce carbon emissions is critical to prevent crossing irreversible climate thresholds.
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Disaster funds for heat waves and wildfire smoke face hurdles
As heat waves and wildfire smoke emergencies rise, states struggle to access federal aid due to unclear disaster definitions.
In short:
- Heat waves and wildfire smoke aren’t listed as “major disasters” under FEMA’s guidelines, complicating funding requests.
- States face difficulties in documenting costs and meeting FEMA's requirements for disaster declarations.
- A coalition of states and organizations is pushing for policy changes to recognize heat and smoke as major disasters.
Key quote:
“Our disaster framework is really geared toward protecting property and counting up damages to property.”
— Juanita Constible, senior climate and health advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council
Why this matters:
Heat waves and wildfire smoke, exacerbated by climate change, cause significant health impacts and economic losses. Recognizing these events as major disasters could unlock essential federal aid for affected communities.
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Deadly heat wave sweeps across the US, claiming lives
A severe heat wave has caused at least 28 deaths across the United States, with the toll expected to rise as high temperatures persist.
In short:
- The heat wave has primarily impacted California, Oregon, and Arizona, resulting in record-breaking temperatures and multiple fatalities.
- Most victims were elderly and found in their homes; other deaths include a motorcyclist in Death Valley and a baby in Arizona.
- Heat-related deaths are often underreported, as they are frequently attributed to other causes such as heart failure
Key quote:
“The extreme nature of the heat last summer and this summer has meant it’s in the forefront of everyone’s mind, including those in charge of classifying health outcomes and deaths."
— Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University
Why this matters:
As the climate crisis intensifies, the frequency and severity of heatwaves are expected to increase, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment. This brutal reminder of our changing climate heightens the pressure for action to mitigate the impacts of global warming. Read more: We are undercounting heat-related deaths in the US.
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Credit: Dimitris Vetsikas/Pixabay
Heatwave blankets the globe, raising climate concerns
The Earth has experienced a continuous 12-month period of temperatures 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, according to new data.
In short:
- Between July 2023 and June 2024, global temperatures were the highest on record, 1.64C above pre-industrial times.
- Scientists warn of increased exposure to extreme weather and potential climate tipping points due to sustained high temperatures.
- Key climate metrics indicate a worsening trend unless greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced.
Key quote:
"This is inevitable unless we stop adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the oceans."
— Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service
Why this matters:
Sustained high temperatures lead to severe weather events and threaten ecosystems, especially tropical coral reefs. Without significant emission reductions, global warming could exceed critical thresholds, exacerbating human and environmental harm.
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Opinion: Summer heat poses health risks for children
With Ontario's extreme heat warnings and wildfire smoke in the West, parents need to rethink when they let kids play outside this summer.
In short:
- Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults due to their slower cooling mechanisms and inability to recognize thirst.
- Many schools in Toronto lack central air conditioning, forcing children into hot, uncomfortable environments during heatwaves.
- Urban areas with low-income and racialized residents often lack natural cooling elements like trees and green spaces.
Key quote:
"We might not realize kids feel even worse than we do during a heatwave — and we’re definitely not doing enough to address the climate emergency that puts them at such great risk."
— Denise Balkissoon, The Narwhal
Why this matters:
Wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, release pollutants that travel thousands of miles, affecting air quality in regions far removed from the flames. Meanwhile, extreme heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, a direct consequence of our warming planet. Extreme heat poses serious health risks for children, especially in areas lacking air conditioning and green spaces.
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Credit: Paul Brennan/Pixabay
FEMA faces potential funding shortfall amid increasing natural disasters
With hurricanes and heat waves growing more severe, FEMA's funding might deplete before summer's end.
In short:
- Record-high ocean temperatures predict an intense hurricane season with up to 25 named storms and 4-7 major hurricanes.
- FEMA's disaster relief fund is projected to face a $1.3 billion shortfall by August and could be $6.8 billion in deficit by September.
- The agency may need to pause long-term recovery projects to manage immediate disaster responses, impacting overall disaster management.
Key quote:
"Without additional funding, FEMA will take steps prior to funding exhaustion to ensure resources are available to support ongoing lifesaving and life-sustaining activities."
— FEMA spokesperson
Why this matters:
The rising intensity of these weather events has stretched FEMA's resources thin. Just last year, the agency grappled with a series of devastating hurricanes and wildfires, and this year's forecasts suggest more of the same. With hurricane season in full swing and unprecedented heat waves scorching the nation, FEMA's budget, which must cover immediate disaster response and long-term recovery efforts, is under immense strain.
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Phoenix uses ice immersion to combat heatstroke as temperatures soar
Phoenix firefighters are employing ice immersion techniques to treat heatstroke victims amid the season's first heat wave in the Southwest.
In short:
- The Phoenix Fire Department is using cold water immersion to treat heatstroke victims during transport to hospitals.
- This method, familiar to marathon runners and military personnel, can lower body temperatures rapidly and improve survival rates.
- Phoenix has also introduced overnight cooling stations as part of new measures to combat rising temperatures and heat-related deaths.
Key quote:
“We’ve been seeing a severe uptick in the past three years in cases of severe heat illness.”
— Dr. Paul Pugsley, medical director of emergency medicine with Valleywise Health
Why this matters:
As temperatures in Phoenix reach extreme highs, innovative treatments like ice immersion are crucial for preventing heat-related deaths. Heatstroke, a severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body's temperature regulation fails and internal temperatures rise dangerously high. The condition can lead to organ damage or even death if not treated swiftly. Traditional cooling methods, such as fans and misting, often fall short when faced with the rapid onset of heatstroke symptoms.
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