Extreme Heat Waves Impacting U.S. and Global Communities

Summary:
In the summer of 2024, the U.S. and many countries globally have experienced unprecedented extreme heat waves. Death Valley reached 129°F (53.9°C), and Las Vegas set a new record at 120°F (48.9°C). This heat has exacerbated wildfires in California and caused severe water shortages and deaths in Mexico, Central America, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Greece, and Japan. The European Union’s Copernicus climate service reported that each of the past 13 months has been the hottest on record, with the global temperature at least 1.5°C (2.7°F) above pre-industrial levels for the past year.
Scientists emphasize that this extreme heat is fueled by human-caused climate change, making such weather events more likely and severe. Vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and low-income residents, face increased risks. Extreme heat also disrupts infrastructure and economies.
Despite the daunting outlook, progress has been made. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2035. Renewable energy costs are dropping, and policies are increasingly supportive. Immediate action to reduce fossil fuel emissions can mitigate future warming and its severe impacts.
Experts from the University of Massachusetts Lowell stress the urgency of global action to limit further climate change, highlighting the potential benefits for public health, job creation, and ecosystem protection.