Burning planet: Record heatwaves sweep the world, demand urgent action
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Scientists assert that global warming, linked to fossil fuel dependence, contributes to the multiplication and intensification of heat waves.
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A little girl touches her father’s head as they are engulfed by mist from a public fountain in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, July 13, 2023. (AP)
On Sunday, an alarming number of people worldwide faced dangerously high temperatures due to global warming. The United States, Europe, and Asia experienced record heat forecasts.
In the US, a severe heatwave spanning from California to Texas was expected to reach its peak, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Phoenix, Arizona, endured 16 consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 109F, and California's Death Valley may reach a scorching 130F. Authorities issued warnings about the extreme heat, urging people to avoid outdoor activities and stay hydrated. Construction workers like Juan in Texas suffered from dizziness and nausea due to the intense heat.
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas weather service emphasized that the ongoing heatwave was not the typical desert heat associated with the area. Southern California battled numerous wildfires, while Canada reported a record-breaking 10 million hectares burned by wildfires this year.
In Europe, Italy faced predictions of historic highs, with red alerts issued for cities including Rome, Bologna, and Florence. Rome was expected to reach 40°C, breaking the previous record, and Sicily and Sardinia faced temperatures as high as 48°C.
Greece closed the Acropolis during the hottest hours, and France's farming industry was threatened by high temperatures and drought. Spain anticipated another heatwave, and the Canary Islands and Andalusia region were warned of temperatures above 40°C.
In Japan and South Korea, torrential rains caused casualties through floods and landslides. India experienced deadly monsoon rains following scorching heat, with increased frequency and severity attributed to climate change.
China and Morocco also faced extreme temperatures, with concerns over water shortages. In Iraq, the Tigris River's shrinking due to drying up rivers reflected the worsening water situation caused by scorching summers.
Scientists assert that global warming, linked to fossil fuel dependence, contributes to the multiplication and intensification of heat waves. The EU's climate monitoring service declared June the hottest month on record globally.
