Viral Images of the effects of the extreme heatwaves of Arizona, with various everyday objects literally melting under the heat.
Author: Maham Sajid
School: Midwood High School
Publication Date: July 28, 2023
This July of 2023, Earth has continuously broken its records for hottest day. Globally, people are facing extremely high temperatures, and dangerous weather. The heat is so immense that even some night time temperatures have beaten previous record highs with temperatures of approximately 97 degrees (Fahrenheit).
Another example of this extreme weather is a completely unpredicted extreme marine heat-wave reported in the North Atlantic. Other places such as Canada are facing huge wildfires that can impact the air quality down south, such as in NY, as well slowing down or canceling certain flights. Furthermore, Mexico and the states of Texas and Arizona experience constant heat waves that have broken heat records and become a danger to the residents.
What's the cause? Evidently, climate change. The effects and impacts of climate change are continuously being shown as the increase of human production of greenhouse gas emissions trap the sun's heat into our atmosphere, preventing it from entering space. The burning of fossil fuels has repeatedly been one of the largest examples that led to the greenhouse gasses impacting our environment. Additionally, an event called El Nino increased these average temperatures through releasing excessive heat that is absorbed from the ocean into the atmosphere. Temperatures are further raised by high-pressure ridges which make the sun rays beat to the ground.
The impacts of this record breaking temperatures not only negatively affect our planet, but also the people. When referring back to the increasing temperatures during the night time, studies prove that this can cause heat illness and death. The body is unable to cool down during the night, leading to other diseases or risks. Other risks from extreme heat are the heart or organs being damaged from increase in heart pumping as the blood thickens from the heat.
The increased temperatures impact certain groups of people more severely than others such as children and the elderly. It is also especially a danger to those who already have illnesses such as asthma or any heart disease, as it can worsen symptoms. Furthermore, when accounting for those residing in low-income households, who are less likely to own air conditioning or proper care to deal with the heat, the amount of risk of people dealing with illness increases. Those who are not financially stable increase their risk from the immense heat. Ultimately, the rising temperatures during the day are causing several civilians to die, and it is becoming one of the biggest causes of death in the U.S.
RESEARCH, NOTES, OR BIBLIOGRAPHY:
“Earth saw hottest day yet, the fourth straight global record.” Axios, 7 July 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/07/07/earth-four-hottest-days-thursday. Accessed 24 July 2023.
Higgins, Nick, and Andrea Thompson.
“Why Hot Overnight Temperatures Are So Dangerous.” Scientific American, 19 July 2023, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-hot-overnight-temperatures-are-so-dangerous/. Accessed 24 July 2023.
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