2 - Heatwaves are also getting longer, stronger, and more frequent. See link above for US data; for global, see below. Source: nature.com/articles/s4146
Conversation
3 - More people are being exposed to dangerous heat. A person born in 1960 will only experience 4 major heatwaves in their life. A child born in 2020, even under the 1.5oC target, will experience 18. For each +0.5C of global warming, the # doubles. Source:
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How does global warming increase heatwave risk? First and most obviously, as average temperatures increase, the temperature distribution curve shifts to the left. I updated the labels on this classic chart to fit 2022 😳
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However, a warming planet also affects our weather patterns. This includes making heat domes bigger and stronger and helping them linger longer. And the longer they sit over a region, the drier and hotter it gets. Here's 's explanation:
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Finally, how do these heatwaves affect us?
1. They directly impact our health. Most vulnerable? Seniors & kids, people working outdoors, those socially isolated & economically disadvantaged, with chronic illnesses, and communities of color. Source: health2016.globalchange.gov/temperature-re
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2. They increase the use of AC which (a) increases risks of blackouts; (b) if powered by FFs, increases warming; (c) increases the gap between those who have electricity & can afford AC and those who can't. This is often referred to as "maladaptation".
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3. They increase the risk of large, dangerous wildfires which not only threaten ecosystems and communities but also increase air pollution which -- back to #1 above -- directly affects people's health. Exhibit A:
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4. They directly affect crop production. One study estimates "each +1C increase in global temp would reduce global yields of wheat 6.0%, rice 3%, maize 7%, and soybean 3%." An older analysis by shows larger changes. pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pn nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/12877/
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5. They exacerbate droughts and increase the risk of water shortages as both demand increases and supply drops. In the US, concurrent heat waves and droughts are on the rise.
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6. They increase risk of violence. Studies have shown links between extreme heat and everything from domestic violence to organized crime. Many sources, here are just a few: sciencedirect.com/science/articl cambridge.org/core/journals/
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What's the bottom line? Our future is in our hands. The greatest uncertainty is US. Our decisions will determine our emissions, the amount of change we experience, and the vastness of the suffering that results. What can each of us do? Start here.
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Connect the dots between what, where, who you love and how they are being affected by the devastating heatwaves, fires, and droughts occurring around the world right now. Help others out by sharing below - what emergencies are you reading about? What impacts are you witnessing?
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Replying to @KHayhoe
It would be fantastic if someone in the tech world could create an efficient AC system that does not put heat back out into the atmosphere.
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Replying to @KHayhoe
No, it's in your hands now. Gravity engines using gravity propulsion applied to the water molecule is the cleanest energy technology humanity will ever make. Lifts water while generating electricity. You can make it, help others with new knowledge.
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Replying to @KHayhoe
" Our future is in our hands."
oh damn. we are in very deep problems.
The greatest uncertainty is the problem itself. The US is likely to be down from from that, and arguably BRIICS are an even bigger uncertainty than the US.