We have seen some dramatic escalation in global temperatures in the last few weeks as a result of a marine heatwave in many areas of the world's seas and oceans including the water in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. Over 100 million people in the USA are currently subjected to heat warnings and the Cerberus heatwave in Europe is leading to cities declaring red heat emergency warnings.
A heatwave will grip Mediterranean region next 2 weeks, says WMO regional center @DWD. Max temps above 35–40 °C, and in Middle East and southeastern Türkiye, up to 45 °C. Extreme heat also in North Africa. #StateOfClimate. Stay tuned for updates. https://t.co/NUYlNuoO7D pic.twitter.com/xhDZgW8iG5
— World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) July 13, 2023
This article in the RGS's Geography Directions Blog mentions the unequal nature of heatwave experiences, although even in the USA there are variations in opportunity to have functioning air conditioning, and this is all predicated on 'business as usual', which will not happen.
'Since heat deaths are an expression of economic inequality, no form of climate adaptation is likely to be more effective than making poor people less poor.' - @lauriefdparsons (@RHULGeography). Reposted via @ConversationUK https://t.co/JnDpH7hiiD
— Geography Directions (@GeogDirections) July 12, 2023
There are also narrowing timeframes and increasing probabilities of extreme events.
“previously considered a 1-in-100-year storm will now be experienced every 20 years..
— Jeff Berardelli (@WeatherProf) July 13, 2023
Over the past 20 years, NOAA’s rain gauges have recorded 30 locations that have had multiple 1-in-100-year events &13 locations that have reported 1-in-500-year events” https://t.co/ywT5tHYhWz
One other adaptation, which is also likely to be withdrawn from some groups earlier than others is insurance against such events as wildfires.
Insurance is a tool of climate adaptation. If prices are wrong, society will be more hurt by a hotter world than otherwise be the case https://t.co/6GkggPvumw
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) July 15, 2023
Updated July 2023
Heatwaves are an invisible killer.
— IFRC (@ifrc) July 18, 2023
Many parts of the world are experiencing record-breaking temperatures and severe #heatwaves.
IFRC network teams are on the ground, providing critical support to the affected people around the world.
Together, we can beat the heat. pic.twitter.com/XOKfdhigla
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