Extreme Heat Waves Hit the U.S. and the Globe: A Harbinger of a Warming World

As summer 2024 unfolds, the United States is grappling with relentless heat waves, putting millions under heat warnings and straining public health systems. In early July, temperatures soared to record highs across the country, with Death Valley hitting a scorching 129 degrees Fahrenheit (53.9 C) on July 7, leading to the death of a motorcyclist. Las Vegas shattered its all-time heat record at 120 F (48.9 C), while large swaths of California endured over 100-degree heat, fueling wildfires. Oregon also reported several suspected heat-related deaths.

The U.S. is not the only country experiencing this extreme heat. Countries around the world are experiencing unprecedented temperatures, marking each of the past 13 months as the hottest on record for that month. According to the European Union’s Copernicus climate service, June 2024 was the hottest June ever recorded, and the average temperature for the previous 12 months was at least 1.5 C (2.7 F) warmer than the pre-industrial average.

Understanding the 1.5 C Warming Threshold

The Paris Climate Agreement sets the 1.5 C warming threshold, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, averaged over a 30-year period. This threshold helps mitigate the influence of natural year-to-year fluctuations. Although the Earth has crossed this threshold for a single year, the trend suggests that we are on track to surpass the 30-year average within the next decade.

Global Heat Waves: A Growing Crisis

The intense heat waves of 2024 have wreaked havoc across continents. In Mexico and Central America, weeks of persistent heat combined with prolonged drought have led to severe water shortages and numerous deaths. Saudi Arabia faced a tragic situation during the Hajj pilgrimage in June, where over 1,000 people succumbed to the extreme heat as temperatures soared to 125 F (51.8 C).

High heat, frequent power outages, and water shortages overwhelmed hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. India experienced temperatures around 120 F (48.9 C) in April and May, affecting millions without access to air conditioning. Greece witnessed several tourist deaths amid dangerous heat and humidity, and Japan issued heatstroke alerts as Tokyo and more than half of its prefectures reached record highs in early July.

The Role of Climate Change

While heat waves are a natural part of the climate, the severity and frequency of the current heat waves are alarming. A scientific assessment of the June 2024 heat wave in the eastern U.S. found that such extreme and prolonged heat events are two to four times more likely due to human-caused climate change. This pattern aligns with the rapid increase in the number and intensity of heat waves over the past few decades.

Globally, temperatures are now more than 2.2 F (1.2 C) warmer than before the industrial revolution, driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Even small increases in global temperatures can have significant impacts, as evidenced by the rapid climate change already occurring.

Preparing for a Hotter Future

As we experience one of the hottest summers on record, it’s crucial to recognise that future summers could be even hotter. Vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and outdoor workers, face increased risks. Lower-income neighbourhoods, where air conditioning may be unaffordable, and renters without cooling protections will endure dangerous conditions.

Extreme heat also affects infrastructure and economies, causing transit delays, blackouts, and increased strain on health systems. However, there are solutions to mitigate these impacts.

Solutions and Progress

Despite the formidable challenges, we are making progress. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half by 2035. Transitioning from air conditioners to heat pumps and network geothermal systems can reduce emissions and lower cooling costs. The cost of renewable energy continues to decline, and countries are increasingly supporting policies and incentives to promote clean energy.

Actions to reduce global warming can limit a wide range of hazards and create numerous benefits, including improved public health, job creation, and reduced risks to ecosystems. Rapidly reducing fossil fuel emissions is crucial to avoiding a future with even more severe heat waves and droughts.

Conclusion

The extreme heat waves of 2024 are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. As temperatures continue to rise, it is essential for countries, companies, and individuals to take decisive action to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming. By doing so, we can protect vulnerable populations, safeguard economies, and create a more sustainable future.