The June 2024 heatwave impacted over 100 million people across the eastern United States, prompting forecasters to predict a flash drought due to the rapid drying of soils. Areas under this heat dome saw abnormally dry conditions develop quickly, with potential consequences for agriculture, water resources, and energy supplies.
Human impacts were evident as ER visits due to heat-related illnesses spiked in Ohio and Pennsylvania, while schools without air conditioning in Massachusetts closed. Energy infrastructure also suffered, with electric wires sagging in the heat in New York and New Jersey, resulting in train service disruptions.
June’s heatwave was notably early and long-lasting, a result of a large high-pressure system, or heat dome. As both a cause and effect of extreme heat, large and powerful heat domes have the potential to affect more people with higher temperatures.
Global record temperatures were also observed in the Americas, Europe, and Asia in 2024. Prolonged heat and drought in Mexico and Central America caused severe water shortages and fatalities. In Saudi Arabia, over 1,000 people died during the Hajj due to extreme heat, while Greece and India experienced multiple fatalities and widespread distress due to high temperatures.
While heatwaves are a natural climate occurrence, the severity and frequency of recent heatwaves point to an abnormal pattern. Studies estimate today’s heatwaves are two to four times more likely due to human-caused climate change, consistent with the rapid increase in U.S heatwaves over recent decades.
The global climate is now approximately 2.2 F (1.2 C) warmer than pre-industrial times. This increase, although seemingly small, significantly impacts global climate patterns. Despite the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit warming below 2 C, current global policies are insufficient, pointing to a trend of continued warming.
Future summers may be far hotter than today’s records, endangering vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and outdoor workers. Extreme heat can also disrupt economies, causing infrastructure damage and potential blackouts during peak cooling demand.
However, solutions exist to mitigate these issues. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act 2022 has the potential to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half by 2035. Transitioning to renewable energy sources and employing cooling technology can reduce emissions and lower costs. Urgent action from countries, companies, and individuals can limit future warming and its associated risks.
Original Story at theconversation.com