Global warming is one of the most pressing issues of our time and its impact on heat waves is becoming increasingly evident. As temperatures rise and humans continue to drive the climate crisis, heat waves have grown in frequency, intensity, and intensity of effects, even in normally mild climates.
Heat waves can cause physical, social and economic disruption, creating serious health risks for all populations, but especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions. In 2018, heat waves caused an estimated 66 000 excess deaths worldwide, according to a new World Health Organization report.
Heat waves are periods of abnormally high temperatures, typically occurring during summer months. Warmer temperatures requires more energy to be used with little reward as there is less atmospheric moisture to draw upon which leads to higher temperatures and more discomfort. During a heat wave, the air might reach temperatures of up to 40 °C and can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Global warming is the single greatest cause of more frequent heat waves, and this is in turn increasing the number of heat-related illnesses, deaths, energy demand and air pollution levels. Without intervention, the frequency and intensity of future heat waves will increase. Since 1980, the average length of heat waves has doubled and the number of extreme hot days has tripled.
It is well known that when temperatures rise so do the number of hospital visits related to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. People breathe in more polluted air when temperatures rise, causing more respiratory illnesses. Similarly, higher temperatures also decrease air quality due to increased smog, dust and other air pollutants, which can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
Additionally, heat waves shorten the growing season for crops and cause unreliable water supplies. Warmer temperatures cause plants to suffer and die, shrinking crop yields, which has a direct impact on food security. Heat waves have a number of other impacts, from the disruption of transportation and electricity networks to the spread of wildfire and an increase in insect-borne illnesses.
Therefore, governments and individuals need to act to reduce emissions and strengthen climate adaptation measures, ideally with a long-term outlook. Reducing emissions through improved energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies can help mitigate the warming effect, while measures to reduce the heat island effect, such as increased vegetation cover and improved building designs, can help reduce direct heat exposure.
Individuals can make a difference by increasing the efficiency of their homes, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, and investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Moreover, governments can support these efforts by implementing regulations and policies to reduce air pollution and supporting public transportation, cyclists and pedestrians.
In conclusion, global warming is having a massive effect on heat waves, which can cause tremendous human suffering, damage crops and place heavy strain on our infrastructure. Governments and individuals must take action now to reduce emissions and support adaptation to ensure that the impact of heat waves is minimized and the consequences are lessened.
