Tag: climate

The Rising Threat of Heat Waves: 6 Facts

heat waves art
As global temperatures continue to rise, heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe, causing concern for many. The increasing intensity and unpredictability of these heat events not only affect our comfort but also pose significant health risks. Here are some startling facts about heat waves and their impact:

1. Deadlier Than Severe Weather: Heat waves are the most lethal of weather-related disasters, surpassing hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods in death tolls. For instance, a 1995 heat wave in Chicago claimed over 700 lives, while a 2003 European heat wave resulted in more than 70,000 deaths, including 14,000 in France alone.

2. Understanding “Feels Like” Temperatures: The “feels like” temperature isn’t just a psychological perception; it describes a tangible physical effect on how rapidly your body loses heat in various conditions. This effect is akin to the concept of wet-bulb temperature, where at 100% humidity, the wet-bulb temperature equals the air temperature because evaporative cooling ceases. At lower humidity levels, the wet-bulb temperature is lower due to the cooling effect of evaporation. Notably, a wet-bulb temperature above 32°C (90°F) can hinder normal outdoor activities, and reaching or exceeding 35°C can be fatal as the body fails to cool itself​

3. Cognitive Function Decline During Heat Waves: A Harvard study observed that during heat waves, cognitive function significantly decreases. Students without air conditioning showed notable declines across five different measures of cognitive performance.

4. Underground Living in Cooper Pedy: In the Australian town of Coober Pedy, 80% of the population lives underground to escape the extreme heat on the surface, illustrating just how harsh conditions can become.

5. Increasing Frequency of Heat Waves: According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the frequency of heat waves has dramatically increased. Major U.S. cities experienced an average of two heat waves per year in the 1960s, compared to at least six per year during the 2010s.

6. Longer Duration of Heat Waves: Not only are heat waves occurring more frequently, but they are also lasting longer. While the average heat wave in the 1960s lasted about three days, today they often extend to at least four days.

As we face these longer, more frequent heat waves, it’s crucial to understand their serious implications on health and daily life. How are you adapting to these changes in your area? What measures have you found effective in coping with the increased heat?

5 Astonishing Discoveries about Planet Earth

Near Space photography 20km above ground real photo Elements of this image furnished by NASA.
Photo by depositphotos.com

Planet Earth, our shared cradle of life, is brimming with wonders and mysteries. However, some of the recent revelations about our home planet paint a picture of unprecedented changes and challenges. Here are five such extraordinary findings:

1. Antarctica’s Unprecedented Heatwave:
2022 marked the year when Antarctica experienced the most extreme heatwave ever recorded on Earth. Scientists were stunned as Eastern Antarctica temperatures soared, witnessing a nearly 70-degree Fahrenheit spike above their recorded average. The cause of this dramatic increase was traced to unusual air circulation near Australia.

2. A Bleak Future for Mammalian Habitability:
Researchers speculate that in 250 million years, the habitability of Earth for mammals could drastically decline, with up to 92% becoming uninhabitable. The projection stems from the anticipation of Earth’s landmasses converging to form a supercontinent. This monumental shift is expected to fuel volcanism and elevate carbon dioxide levels, rendering the majority of the land barren.

3. Ubiquitous Presence of Harmful Chemicals:
A concerning study has unveiled that rainwater across the globe is tainted with ‘forever chemicals’—PFAAs—known to cause cancer. The research emphasized that the widespread atmospheric dispersion of these chemicals has surpassed the planetary boundary for chemical pollution. Given the persistent nature of PFAAs and their continual cycling in the hydrosphere, immediate restrictions on their usage and emissions are imperative.

4. Shrinking Global Population:
In a surprising turn, scientists predict a significant demographic shift—Earth’s population is expected to start diminishing within the next 50 years.

5. Threat to Glacial Existence:
Even if global efforts successfully maintain warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, a target set to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, Earth still stands to lose nearly half of its glaciers, according to recent research. This signifies the potential irreversible damage and emphasizes the urgent need for climate action.