
Heat waves are the most dangerous type of extreme weather. Millions of people can be impacted when local temperatures are hotter than normal for days on end. The climate is changing as people emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping more of the sun’s energy. The result is the Earth is repeatedly setting new heat records. And this is driving an increase in the frequency, duration and intensity of heat waves.
Incredibly, one percent of all global deaths may be attributed to heat. We may soon confront dozens of heat waves in our lifetimes, compared to only a few that most people face today. One billion people could experience average temperatures of 95° F (35° C). For city dwellers, heat is an especially deadly environmental threat, more hazardous than earthquakes, floods or fire. Cities get extremely hot due to the “heat island” effect in which buildings and roads absorb more heat than green areas. Wherever you are during a heat wave, avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke by staying out of the sun and drinking plenty of water.