Extreme heat is wreaking havoc on people’s health and lives both in Maine and across the globe. While Mainers have been grappling with rain and cloudiness, the rest of the country and world have been sweltering under intense heatwaves. From Death Valley’s scorching 128 degrees Fahrenheit temperature to Miami’s first-ever excessive heat warnings, record-breaking high temperatures are becoming the new normal.
The destructive impact of these heatwaves goes beyond mere numbers. People’s physical and mental health are being severely affected. The heat drains their hope and wrecks them emotionally. Many individuals are experiencing a second disaster alongside natural calamities like hurricanes. Kimberly Goulet, a Florida resident who lost her home in a hurricane last year, said that the heat made her cry constantly and left her feeling devastated.
The harsh reality is that this heatwave is likely to become the new normal unless significant efforts are made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Without these reductions, our planet will continue to heat up, and the consequences will be dire for human beings.
The dangers of high heat are well-documented. When the body overheats, the heart has to work harder to pump blood flow to the skin in order to dissipate the heat. Sweating further depletes body fluids, putting individuals at risk of heat stroke, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Recent heatwaves around the world have exceeded the limits deemed safe for human health.
Moreover, there are numerous perils associated with extreme temperatures. In places like Phoenix, emergency rooms are treating patients with burns from hot pavement. Even toddlers have burned their feet on patios, while the elderly and homeless have suffered burns from falling on scorching pavement. Heat is also causing burns from touching seatbelts, mailboxes, and even scalding water from garden hoses.
These heat horrors may seem distant, but they will have far-reaching consequences. Climate-induced migration is predicted to be a major global security threat, as instability caused by climate change will force many people to leave inhospitable conditions behind. The U.S. may become a destination for those displaced by famine, starvation, and conflicts over arable land. Already, climate migrants seeking relief from the heat are moving northward, resulting in increased demand for housing in states like Maine.
Governments are also taking drastic measures to combat the effects of climate change. Some have started purchasing land in distant countries to grow crops that can no longer thrive in their own regions. For example, companies backed by the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have acquired land in drought-ridden states like Arizona and California to grow forage crops for export. However, these deals have raised concerns about water use in states facing water scarcity due to prolonged droughts.
It is clear that our current planning for climate change is woefully inadequate. While transitioning to renewable energy, electrifying cars and homes, and avoiding building in flood-prone areas are steps in the right direction, much more needs to be done. We must confront the reality that our rapidly warming planet requires more comprehensive solutions. We need to consider how climate change will impact migration patterns, land use, water supplies, and other unforeseen challenges.
While Mainers may complain about the weather, they are fortunate compared to billions of others around the world. However, this fortune may be short-lived unless we take effective action to combat climate change. It is crucial that we address the urgent need for climate mitigation and adaptation measures to protect the health and well-being of people worldwide, as well as the planet we all call home.
