Heat waves are getting more dangerous with climate change

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The ongoing heat wave in the United States, affecting around 150 million people, is intensifying and becoming more dangerous, with temperatures approaching record highs
• This heat wave, along with a similar event in Western Europe, exemplifies the clear connection between climate change and more extreme heat events
• Scientists warn that the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves are all increasing due to human-caused global warming

🔭 The context: Heat waves are now one of the deadliest forms of extreme weather, and their impacts are becoming more severe as global temperatures rise
• While heat waves have always been part of the climate system, the intensity and likelihood of extreme heat are now dramatically boosted by the 1.2°C of global warming caused by fossil fuel emissions
• Nighttime temperatures, in particular, are rising faster than daytime highs, worsening the health consequences

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Climate change is amplifying heat waves, not only making them more common but also more harmful
• The rise in extreme heat is linked to premature deaths, strained infrastructure, agricultural losses, and lower productivity
• The increased frequency of these heat events underscores the urgent need for global climate action to mitigate their effects, particularly in vulnerable regions

⏭️ What's next: As the planet continues to warm, the frequency of such heat waves is expected to increase
• With climate models potentially underestimating the severity of these trends, further research and action are needed to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events
• Governments and businesses must prioritize cooling measures, infrastructure upgrades, and climate resilience strategies to protect public health and economies

💬 One quote: "Through its influence on extreme heat, human-induced climate change puts a massive burden on societies, leading to thousands of premature deaths, and a large strain on infrastructure and ecosystems." – Fredi Otto, climate scientist, World Weather Attribution project

📈 One stat: The UK heat wave this month, which saw temperatures soar to 92°F, is now 100 times more likely to occur due to human-caused climate change

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of regions and companies impacted by extreme weather events.

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change, heat waves, and global warming impacts.