Tracking Past and Future Global Temperatures to Predict Future Heatwaves

Tracking Past and Future Global Temperatures to Predict Future Heatwaves More often than not, the world is facing frighteningly high temperatures known as heatwaves. This phenomenon is affecting the environment and human health alike. While it is true that there are natural factors responsible for temperature variations, the actions committed by humans are making the issue more serious. To fully comprehend the gravity of the situation, it is important to look at the relationship between past and future global temperatures, and the role played by humans in escalating this crisis. What is Causing Heatwaves to be More Extreme? Greenhouse gases such as CO2, especially from burning fossil fuels, are the culprits of these constantly increasing temperatures. The type of weather events that regions are facing now always lead to more extreme events such as heatwaves. The risk of severe and prolonged heatwaves becomes more substantial as the average temperature goes up. The past and future global temperatures show an unexplained increase. Heatwaves are calculated to become even more harsh and problematic. The worst can only be avoided if proper steps are taken now to mitigate these changes. Urbanization Along with the Heat Island Effect The phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect puts urban settlements at heightened risk of extreme temperatures. Unlike natural vegetation, which has a lower heat retention capability, cities constructed out of steel, concrete, and asphalt tend to absorb more heat than they can dissipate setting the stage for rural geographical locations to be hotter by several degrees. As human populations grow and more land is developed for cities, this effect will only worsen. Cities contribute to global temperatures with additional urban heat island effects, leading to higher urban temperature estimates and greater heatwave frequency. The combination of climate change and urban sprawl could make cities unbearably hot during summer months, putting more strain on power grids, public health, and water resources.