The world record for the hottest day was broken on July 21. The record was broken again a day later. This year will almost certainly be the world’s hottest year on record.
What happens?
It’s been a hot summer so far. The United States just had the 11th warmest July on record. July was California’s hottest month on record. Together, the summer months of June and July are the second warmest on record in the United States.
During the first two months of summer, record-breaking heat seemed to be the norm in our country. August also started hot, with record high temperatures outnumbering record lows by almost seven to one.
The unusual warmth is being felt around the world. Copernicus Climate Change Services (C3S) reported that our planet experienced the first and second hottest days on record. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, July was also the 14th consecutive warmest month on record worldwide.
The C3S report for July said: “It is becoming increasingly likely that 2024 will be warmer than 2023, making it the warmest year on record.”
Why is record global heat important?
According to Copernicus and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, last year was the warmest year on record on Earth. 2023 saw a record number of heat-related deaths. The World Meteorological Organization says extreme heat is the deadliest type of extreme weather. People with increased heat stress, such as emergency workers, athletes, outdoor workers and the homeless, are among the most vulnerable groups.
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Our planet is overheating as heat-trapping gases raise the Earth’s temperature. A warming world increases the risk of heat-related illness and death. A new study found that between 1993 and 2017, more than two million premature births (between 28 and 37 weeks) and nearly six million preterm births (between 37 and 39 weeks) were due to heatwaves.
What is being done about the record heat?
The American Red Cross says that in extreme heat, it’s important to stay hydrated. It says the average person needs about 6 gallons of water a day. Before the heat hits, it recommends making a plan to cool down. The plan should include spending at least a few hours each day in air-conditioned spaces, wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, and creating a support team of people who may need you and who you can help.
To cool down our planet, it’s essential to replace dirty energy sources with clean, renewable sources. We can reduce our dependence on dirty energy by upgrading our homes, going solar, switching to LED bulbs, and turning off appliances that waste energy.
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