The Impact of Climate Change and Extreme Heatwaves in US and Mexico

Recent studies have shown that human-induced climate change has made extreme heatwaves in the US southwest, Mexico, and Central America approximately 35 times more likely. The report from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group focused on the period between May and early June when the US heatwave hit states like California, Nevada, and Arizona. The findings indicate that such heatwaves are now four times more likely compared to the year 2000, all tied to planet-warming emissions. The severity of the heatwave, stretching from the US center to Canada, has raised alarms among experts. Climate change is highlighted as a driving factor behind the increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events, leading to deadly temperatures in vulnerable regions. Scientists are urging immediate action to reduce fossil fuel emissions to prevent further escalation of heat-related disasters, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The study also pointed out the risk posed by high night-time temperatures, affecting people’s health and recovery. The findings serve as a sobering reminder that urgent climate action is needed to curb the devastating impacts of global warming on communities across North and Central America.