Why is it so HOT
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Heat waves are causing unprecedented damage across the US
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Climate change can be attributed to the worsening heat waves
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What we can do about it
Summertime and the living’s easy… But you know what is not easy? Tolerating this heatwave. People love summer for many reasons. Whether it means summer vacation, barbeques, or weekends at the pool, it is a time to kick back, relax, and spend some time outdoors. This year looks a little different, and it’s not because of the pandemic. While it is a surprise to no one that summertime is the hottest time of the year, this year has witnessed an unprecedented number of record high temperatures. How can we beat the heat?
What’s going on around the world?
This past June, the pacific northwest faced a heatwave like no other. Washington state recorded a record high temperature of 118 degrees. In Portland, Oregon the intense heat melted power cables, and roads have cracked. In addition, the heatwave in the Vancouver area caused a massive spike in heat-related deaths. Residents are flocking to cooling centers in libraries, senior centers, and other community facilities to escape the heat.
The heatwave is a huge cause for concern because it is a deadly public health threat that can exacerbate inequality, damage infrastructure, and worsen other problems of global warming. Many regions, such as the Pacific Northwest, are unaccustomed to heatwaves. The elderly and children are most vulnerable to heat. People with underlying health conditions and those working outdoors are also at risk. Staying cool is particularly challenging in the pacific northwest area because of a lack of air conditioning. Fewer AC units means that fewer safety measures are being taken to ensure that people take care of themselves during these weather events.
How Climate Change Affects Heat Waves
While it is hard to conclude as to which weather events are directly caused by climate change, scientists have begun to develop models and experiments to uncover how human activity is worsening the severity of weather disasters. With cooler parts of the earth heating up disproportionately faster, we are facing unprecedented climate changes that will negatively affect the lives of everyone on the planet.
Events such as heat waves will continue to occur more frequently and in greater intensity as climate change accelerates. As we move towards more unprecedented times, it will be increasingly important to be socially responsible and invest in our future. Greenhouse gas emissions can be linked to big corporations and industries, so consumers need to be conscious of the impact they have with their dollar.
At Physis, we believe in creating a positive impact by encouraging and educating people and institutions on the importance of impact investing and taking action against climate change. Stay cool, drink water, and see how Physis can help you make better investment decisions today.
References:
BBC: Dozens dead as heatwave shatters records