By Yaryna Serkez Graphics Editor, Opinion |
The planet is getting hotter, and extreme heat waves are scorching places farther north than we might expect. From Siberia to the Norwegian Arctic and British Columbia, hardly anyone can escape soaring temperatures. |
Over the past decade, extreme summers in the Northern Hemisphere were 200 times more frequent than between 1951 and 1980. And the science is clear on whom to blame. |
A new study found that human activity increased average warm-season temperatures "by nearly three degrees, to 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit, across 732 locations around the world." |
The recent deadly heat wave in the Pacific Northwest smashed the previous records by more than 10 degrees. Climatologists said that would have been virtually impossible without human interference. |
Scientists estimate that roughly 12,000 Americans die of extreme heat every year. If we don't cut carbon emissions, this number could increase by 97,000 deaths by the end of the century. |
 | | Yaryna Serkez |
|
In today's visual essay, Susan Joy Hassol, a climate change communicator, Kristie Ebi, a professor of environmental and occupational health, and I explore what we know about rising summer temperatures so far, and what a warmer future might hold. |
Heat waves are already the deadliest extreme weather event in the United States. How many lives will they claim in the future? That depends on our climate actions today. |
Here's what we're focusing on today: |
Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com |
Contact Us If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. |
|
No comments:
Post a Comment