The deadly heat wave that scorched the United States this summer, killing hundreds of people, is a harbinger of what is to come as the planet warms. A new study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects that by 2053, the average summer temperature in the United States will be as hot as the heat wave that killed hundreds this summer.
The study found that the average summer temperature in the United States has increased by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. This warming trend is expected to continue in the future, as the Earth’s atmosphere traps more heat from the sun. The study projects that by 2053, the average summer temperature in the United States will be between 2.5 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it is today.
This warming will have a significant impact on human health. Heat waves are the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, and they are expected to become more frequent and more deadly as the planet warms. Heat waves can cause a variety of health problems, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. They can also exacerbate existing health conditions, such as heart disease and respiratory problems.
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for the United States. We need to take action now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. We need to invest in renewable energy, make our homes and businesses more energy-efficient, and plant more trees. We also need to prepare for the impacts of climate change that are already happening, such as more frequent and more intense heat waves.
The deadly heat wave that killed hundreds this summer is a tragedy. But it is also a warning. We need to act now to avoid a future where heat waves are the norm..
