The Impact of Climate Change on Heat Waves
The climate change caused by humans has made heat waves more and more intensive worldwide. Scientists who examine the role of global warming in the weather say that every heat wave today bears the fingerprints of the climate crisis. Climate change, which is mainly driven by people burning fossil fuels, worsens global extreme weather in general, but a large part of this change is related to heat.
The Effects of Heat on the Human Body
In the United States, warmth kills more Americans than any other weather-related catastrophe, and it will only deteriorate if the world continues to burn fossil fuels. When your body is exposed to high temperatures, it becomes more difficult for it to cool down. The brain tries to help the body cool or heat up, and there are different ways it does this. One way is through sweating, where the pores open, the body sweats, and the sweat evaporates, cooling down the body.
How the Body Cools Down
Another way the body cools down is by expanding the vessels and increasing heart rate, which helps bring warmth and blood to the surface of the body and release excess heat. However, if the surroundings are hot and humid, sweat does not evaporate as easily, causing the body temperature to rise even higher. High body temperatures can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Heat-Related Diseases
High body temperatures can lead to several heat-related diseases, including heat cramps, which are the most common. Heat cramps can develop in people who sweat a lot, even during training, and can lead to muscle pain or cramps, usually in the stomach, arms, or legs. Other heat-related diseases include heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
People at Risk
Older people and people with chronic diseases may be less likely to recognize and react to temperature changes and may take medication that aggravates the heat effects. Young children and athletes are also exposed to a higher risk of heat-related diseases. Pets are also at risk, and it is essential to never leave a child or a pet in a car for a minute, even in mild weather.
Protecting Yourself and Others
If your community is experiencing extreme heat, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and others. Look for symptoms of heat exhaustion or other heat-related diseases, such as dizziness, nausea, or headache. If someone is showing these symptoms, bring them out of the heat and into a cool environment immediately. Give them water to drink and try to cool them down.
Preventing Heat-Related Diseases
To prevent heat-related diseases, try to avoid outdoor activities, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is hottest. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and cover your head to prevent heat stroke. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty, as this can be a sign of dehydration. Don’t rely on fans as your only way to cool off, as they may not be enough to prevent heat-related diseases.
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
If you are at home, try to stay in an air-conditioned room or find a cool place to stay, such as a shopping center or public library. Even spending a few hours in a cool place can help. If you are outside, try to find shade and drink plenty of water. Check on your neighbors, parents, and friends, especially older people who may live alone, to make sure they are safe and cool.
