As extreme heatwaves ravage the United States, Europe and Africa, killing thousands, scientists warn that the worst is still to come.
As extreme heatwaves ravage the United States, Europe and Africa, killing thousands, scientists warn that the worst is still to come. With countries continuing to pump greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and the chance of meaningful federal climate change legislation crumbling in the U.S., this summer’s sweltering temperatures may seem mild in 30 years.
This week, many witnessed the deadly impact extreme heat can have in a country ill-prepared for scorching temperatures. In the U.K., where air conditioning is rare, public transportation shut down, schools and offices closed, and hospitals cancelled non-emergency procedures.
Air conditioning, a technology many take for granted in the world’s wealthiest nations, is a life-saving tool during extreme heat waves. However, only about 8% of the 2.8 billion people living in the hottest – and often poorest -- parts of the world currently have AC in their homes.
Read more at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Photo Credit: terimakasih0 via Pixabay
