The extreme heatwaves aren't just another hot summer
The blistering heatwaves across North America, Asia, and Europe are a result of climate change.
Only a few weeks ago, scientists were claiming that the heat waves taking over the world at the moment were likely to be the hottest day in modern history. In fact, three continents (Europe, Asia, and North America) have been gripped by record-level temperatures, and this isn't just some freak weather situation - this is a direct result of climate change. The same conversations were also being had last year regarding "the hottest summers" and, yet, conversations about the relation to climate change seem to be lost.
The sad truth is, these warmer temperatures are not positive (although holiday-makers may believe so), they are a symptom of a much more sinister issue. The effects of these scorching climates are presenting devastating consequences already. For instance, Greece has struggled to contain the wildfires as Europe is preparing for more heatwaves to grapple with. Meanwhile, in Asia, China has been suffering from 95-degree heat and in America, workers have been struggling to deal with the crazy temperatures. These afflictions will only increase as the temperatures increase, too.
Warming climates are not without reason, though. They are a bleak reminder that our planet cannot sustain the emissions that we are producing. Earth has warmed by two degrees since the 19th century and this is only expected to get worse as we continue our reliance on fossil fuels. In fact, these warmer temperatures that we are experiencing now will only become longer, more regular, and more severe.
Humans are, whilst admittedly very slowly, beginning to realise just how unbearable these temperatures really are for humanity. They not only make living uncomfortable - but sometimes fatal, especially for the most vulnerable in our society. In Europe, warnings have been made to residents to stay indoors during the hottest hours, but this isn't always possible for everybody.
The irony of these rising temperatures? Power stations are actually generating more electricity now to meet the demand for air conditioning and other methods of cooling. This means even more coal being burned to ensure people are comfortable.
Even in places where heat is expected and normal still is becoming unmanageable. 11 people died in one day in India in April, for example. These terrifying trends are only expected to worsen and worsen unless a quick change is made, and soon.
The point of highlighting these issues isn't to cause panic. It is to simply emphasise that change is possible and it can improve the situation. One of the best ways to help prevent a warming climate is to protect our threatened forests. Nature has really given us one of the best ways to prevent climate change, which will help us to fight these extreme temperatures. We help to find solutions to the climate problem by offering forest protection plans. These warmer climates that are affecting the world don't have to become a permanent reality.