Plus: Climate crisis is making our days longer, scientists say
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Welcome to The Independent's weekly round-up on the climate crisis, and the solutions to tackle it. Thanks for reading - Stuti |
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Much of the East will experience harsh heat temperatures this week. Map from July 14 (NWS Weather Prediction Center) |
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Scorching heat brought on by hot temperatures is baking much of the eastern half of the United States this week, with some areas experiencing temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37C).
The extreme temperatures have put more than 140 million people under heat alerts in the East, after the West experienced dangerous record-breaking temperatures earlier this month.
Las Vegas experienced a sweltering week of heat after witnessing a highs of 115F degrees (46C) on Friday, and a seven day streak of breaking or tying daily high temperatures.
But now, excessive heat warnings, watches, and advisories have been issued in parts of the Mid-Atlantic to New England, parts of the Central Southern Plains and Middle/Lower Mississippi Valley, and parts of the Western Ohio/Western Tennessee Valley, the National Weather Service (NWS) has said.
Some daily records that have existed for hundreds of years are expected to be broken as sweltering temperatures hit the region.
"Heat stress will build rapidly for those without adequate cooling or hydration," the NWS said.
Experts are warning that sizzling sidewalks and unshaded playgrounds could pose risks for surface burns as air temperatures reach new summertime highs.
Young children, older adults and homeless people are especially at risk of contact burns, which can occur in seconds when skin touches a surface of 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82C).
Extreme temperatures can raise the danger of heat-related illnesses and threaten health in a more subtle way — by amplifying the side effects of many common medications.
Meanwhile, amid the record-breaking temperatures, climate campaigners have responded with alarm to the selection of climate denier and Ohio senator JD Vance as Donald Trump's vice presidential nominee, with activists warning he represents a "dangerous" voice for the US.
"Like Donald Trump, JD Vance has proven that he will make it a top priority to roll back climate protections while answering to the demands of oil and gas CEOs," Sunrise Movement communications director Stevie O'Hanlon said in a statement, adding that he is "one of Congress' biggest recipients of donations from oil companies".
"JD Vance will sell out to the highest bidder, whether that's Trump or the fossil fuel industry. That makes him dangerous," she said.
More climate news this week from The Independent
Hospitals report spike in heat-related illness during widespread power outages
How climate crisis is making days longer
Malayan tiger on 'brink of extinction' as spate of deaths sparks alarm
At least 60 missing in Nepal after landslides sweeps buses into swollen river
Heavy rain and floods kill 6 in China
4-month-old baby dies from heat-related illness while on boat with family in 121-degree heat
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"Donald Trump was the worst president for climate in US history. JD Vance will empower Donald Trump to enact even worse damage on our planet in a second Trump administration." |
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