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Intensifying climate change fuels extreme temperatures across the globe.
The deadly heatwave breaking records across the globe is expected to persist through August, warns John Nairn, Senior Extreme Heat Advisor for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The forecast comes on the heels of a summer defined by relentless high temperatures in North America, Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, with degrees soaring above 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for an extended period.
Intense heat waves are becoming more frequent and prevalent across all seasons. “We’re on trend in seeing a rise in global temperatures that will contribute to heatwaves increasing in intensity and frequency,” Nairn stated. “We’ve got quite clear indications that they’re already growing out into spring.”
This scorching weather has severely disrupted millions of lives worldwide, triggering health crises and causing deaths. Southern Europe is currently battling a record-breaking heatwave amid the peak summer tourist season, a harsh warning to authorities about the increased risk of health problems. In the United States, a dangerous heat stretches from Southern California to the Deep South, while the Middle East also suffers under sweltering conditions.
The Urgent Need for a Global Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels
Global concern is mounting not only over the immediate impact of the heat but its stark indication of a world in the throes of climate change. The forthcoming U.N. climate talks are expected to see renewed pressure on nations to phase out fossil fuel consumption, a leading cause of these detrimental climate alterations. The 27-member European Union leads the call for an international agreement on this critical issue.
“There is very strong evidence that if we were to eliminate fossil fuels, we would reduce a major contributor to what we are seeing,” Nairn remarked, emphasizing the potential benefits of such action. However, opposition to this proposal comes from countries with significant oil and gas resources.
Despite the challenges, the urgency of the situation is clear. The continuing global heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, necessitating prompt and decisive action. As Nairn concludes, “We can’t turn it around in a hurry, but we certainly can take action.”
