The temperature rises to abnormal levels more and more frequently due to climate change.
Heat waves during which temperature rises to record values, will be observed more and more frequently and will be more intense in the coming decades. This was stated by the head of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Peter Taalas, according to Bloomberg.
“Negative climate trends will persist at least until 2060. Heat waves will become more frequent due to climate change,” he said at a briefing in Geneva.
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Taalas compared the current climate situation to an athlete who improves his performance by taking prohibited drugs. “We pumped up our atmosphere with doping, emitting more and more carbon dioxide,” said the head of the WMO.
The WMO, as well as the World Health Organization, said that they expect an increase in the burden on the health care system associated with the current heat in Europe. On Tuesday, July 20, the temperature in Britain reached 40 degrees Celsius for the first time.
Last year in Sicily (Italy), a record temperature for Europe of 48.8 degrees Celsius was recorded. In 2021, temperature records were also set in Spain, Turkey and Canada. The WMO expects that the temperature may break new records in the near future.
Taalas stressed that more frequent heat waves should be a “wake-up call” for governments and voters. According to UN representatives, the policy should encourage mitigation of the consequences of climate change, which will help cities better adapt to higher temperatures, reduce the use of fossil fuels and consume less meat.
Scientists note that dangerous for humans, the heat level goes beyond the thermometer's numbers. The level of humidity is also important. According to current research, the critical limit of the ambient temperature is below 35°С. At 100% humidity, the critical temperature is 31°C, and at 60% – 38°C.
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