The detrimental effects of global warming have turned the world upside down, with overheating being the most catastrophic crisis the globe has been facing as a result of human hunger. Almost three-quarters of the planet could be in danger of dying out due to severe heat by the end of the century.
Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense as a result of human-caused climate change, affecting far more people than those who live on the streets. Currently, 30 per cent of the world’s population is at risk of potentially fatal heat exposure for more than 20 days per year. By 2100, that share might rise to 74 per cent, depending on the rate of human-caused climate change.
Overheating Poses Dangers are:
- Overheating is the primary cause of weather-related mortality and natural disasters regularly like drought, cyclones, wildfires. High humidity and high evening temperatures are most likely to blame for heat-related disease and death.
- Heatwaves can worsen cities’ buildings, roads, and infrastructure 50 to 90 degrees hotter than the surrounding air.
- Hot days are associated with increases in heat-related ailments such as cardiovascular and respiratory difficulties, as well as kidney disease, and are particularly dangerous for outdoor workers, children, the elderly, and low-income families.
- The quality of the air is also altered by severe temperatures. On hot and sunny days, ozone levels rise, which has an impact on NOX levels.
- Furthermore, increased usage of interior heating and cooling necessitates more electricity, which, depending on the electrical source, might result in increased emissions of other types of pollution, including particulates. These increases in ozone and particle matter can pose substantial health hazards to humans, particularly those who are already vulnerable to heat.
- Agriculture can be particularly harmed by high temperatures at night. Heat stress in livestock increases when animals are unable to cool off at night, while some crops require cool night temperatures. Cattle that are overheated can have lower milk production, slower development, and lower conception rates.
- While increasing summer temperatures boost cooling demand, they also reduce the ability of transmission lines to deliver power, potentially resulting in electrical dependability difficulties during heat waves.
- The capacity of rivers and lakes to absorb waste heat from power plants decreases as they warm. This reduces the thermal efficiency of power generation, making it more difficult for power plants to meet environmental requirements governing cooling water.
The ways to prevent yourself and people around you from such extreme heatwave:
- Drink as many fluids as you can and try to cool off often through showers, wet towels and limited use of Air conditioners.
- Do less physical work and wear light clothes.
- When the sun is out, cover your windows with blinds or drapes and doors with green roofs.
- You must plant more trees as they provide shade and cool shelter.
- You must use less electricity to ensure a decline in heat waves.
- Stay tuned for the weather warnings and keep in touch with your loved ones.
Take these safeguards to make yourself and your loved ones more comfortable while also lowering the hazards to your health.