Climate change is causing the demise of summer traditions such as vacations and outdoor activities, as extreme temperatures become more permanent.
Climate change is causing the demise of summer traditions such as vacations and outdoor activities, as extreme temperatures become more permanent.
Surviving Extreme Heat: Vacation Disasters and Deadly Consequences
This summer, mainland Greece faced a series of devastating wildfires, among which the flames spread towards the coastal villages due to strong winds and dry conditions. The escalating danger forced nearly 2,000 people, including locals and tourists, to be evacuated by sea on Saturday1.
Unfortunately, Greece is not the only location affected by extreme heat and wildfires this year. Record-breaking temperatures and heat waves have wreaked havoc across the globe, disrupting plans for those seeking to enjoy their summer vacations after the challenging pandemic years2. For instance, in Sicily and Sardinia, temperatures soared to a scorching 115°F, forcing thousands of tourists to cancel or flee their vacations as wildfires threatened major towns3.
The impact of extreme heat goes beyond canceled vacations. In some areas, simply spending time outside can be dangerous for both vacationers and locals. Andi Davis, an inventory manager in Phoenix, shared her experience, highlighting how people try to avoid going outdoors due to the uncomfortably warm weather. Even swimming becomes undesirable as the pool water is heated to an uncomfortable temperature4.
Temperatures in Phoenix have exceeded 110°F for 28 consecutive days, leading to saguaro cacti collapsing under the scorching heat5. People are seeking refuge indoors, constantly relying on air conditioning to escape the oppressive heat. However, even driving becomes a discomforting experience due to the scorching leather car seats and unpredictable car AC systems breaking down6.
Jared Thornton, a bartender in Tallahassee, expressed his frustration with the heat, describing it as a sauna that goes beyond one’s expectations. Even in Florida, where beaches are usually a summer highlight, the current heat wave makes it unbearable, with no respite from the scorching temperatures7. Local businesses, such as Thornton’s bar, have been impacted as customers stay away due to inadequate air conditioning8.
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The alarming reality is that summers like these may become the new norm. Experts warn that without urgent action to address human-caused global warming, such extreme heat events will only become more frequent, hotter, and longer-lasting9. The World Weather Attribution, a group of researchers analyzing extreme weather events, released an analysis confirming that human-caused global warming is responsible for these unprecedented heat waves10.
June of this year acquired the unfortunate distinction of being the hottest ever recorded globally, and July seems likely to follow the trend11. With approximately 114.2 million people, or 35% of the U.S. population, living in areas experiencing dangerous heat levels, the threat is widespread12.
Heat index measurements, combining air temperature and humidity levels, help determine the “real feel” of the environment and associated health risks. According to the National Weather Service, severe heat is the deadliest weather phenomenon, with heat-related fatalities nearly doubling those caused by floods and more than tripling hurricane-related fatalities on a 30-year average basis13.
Extreme temperatures have the potential to cause a range of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat syncope. Heat stroke, the most severe among these conditions, occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature14. In such cases, the body’s temperature rises rapidly, sweating mechanisms fail, and emergency treatment becomes crucial to prevent permanent disability or death15.
Since July’s onset, numerous heat-related deaths have been recorded in the U.S. However, accurately determining the precise count is challenging due to the variation in symptoms and the potential exacerbation of underlying medical conditions16.
As the dire consequences of extreme heat become increasingly apparent, it is imperative to address the root cause of these events. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels is crucial to mitigate further damage and protect ourselves from the deadly impacts of global warming17.
Stay safe, stay cool, and spread awareness about the importance of combating climate change to safeguard our future.
