Unbearable Heat: What will it be like in 2070?
The earth is steadily heating up and climate change is the worst threat that the world has seen. The global temperature has already increased by about 3 degrees C since pre-industrial times, and it is projected to increase by another 4 degrees C by 2070 based on current emissions. This means that in 20 years, heat waves will last over four months, and there will be an extra month of summer every year. So what does this mean for the future?
The Effects of Heat on the Body
The effects of heat on the body vary depending on the person. Some people may become dehydrated, while others may suffer from exhaustion or heat stroke. In extreme cases, people have died from exposure to intense heat.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body cannot control its temperature. The signs and symptoms of heatstroke include high body temperature, rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea and vomiting, confusion, and hallucinations. If left untreated, heatstroke can lead to death.
Dehydration is another common side effect of hot weather. When the body loses fluids through sweat or other means, it becomes dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and fainting spells. It can also increase your risk for dehydration from other sources such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Overexposure to intense sunlight also increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Extreme sunlight exposure (more than 10 minutes unprotected per day) can also cause a serious eye injury called second-degree burns. Sunscreen is important to prevent both of these health risks. People who are elderly, young children, or those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk for experiencing complications from hot weather exposure. Children may be more likely to experience dehydration because they lose more fluid than adults do through sweat and urine combined.
What is Unbearable Heat?
Summertime is synonymous with scorching heat, but what happens when the weather gets too hot for even the most seasoned outdoorsman or woman? Extreme heat can cause serious health concerns.
Parts of the U.S. are expected to experience temperatures that reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more. For many people living in these areas, the unbearable heat will be a reality. Heat intolerance is not uncommon; up to 50 percent of the population may experience some symptoms during extreme heat events. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should take steps to protect themselves from the heat and consult a healthcare professional if they experience signs of distress such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, dizziness/drowsiness, or fainting.
How Will the Earth’s Temperature Change in the Future?
The Earth’s temperature has been on the rise for the past fifty years, and scientists are unsure of why. Some believe that the greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are to blame, while others blame natural fluctuations in the Earth’s orbit. Regardless of the cause, one thing is certain-the Earth’s temperature is going to continue to increase.
According to a study, by 2100, temperatures will be 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit higher than they were in 1990. The most affected areas will be Africa and South America, where temperatures will be 3-5 degrees Celsius (5-10 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than they are today. In Europe and North America, temperatures will only be 1-2 degrees Celsius (1.8-3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than they are now.
Most of these increases in temperature will occur during the summer months when it is already hot outside. This means that even more people around the world will experience extreme weather conditions like heat waves and droughts. In some cases, these conditions could lead to famine or even war.
Are You Prepared to Face a Hotter Future?
As we continue to move further into the twenty-first century, it is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid experiencing some degree of heat. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, by the year 2070, it is expected that temperatures will surpass what we have experienced in recent years.
As a result, many people are preparing for this inevitable change by investing in air conditioning units and other cooling devices. However, even if you do not live in an area where temperatures routinely exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), it is important to be prepared for when the temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
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