Climate change has numerous effects, including extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, droughts, and heat waves. While these phenomena can occur naturally, it is important to understand the distinction between typical heat waves and those exacerbated by climate change.

 A research group from North Carolina State University examined this issue and published their findings in the Environmental Research journal on November 1, 2024.

Heat Waves

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) defines heat waves as periods of excessively high temperatures lasting several days or nights. They pose significant risks, including drought spread, threats to food and water supply, energy depletion, increased disease transmission, and the exacerbation of health conditions like kidney and heart problems. Vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, are particularly at risk. Additionally, high temperatures can damage urban infrastructure and contribute to other harmful effects.

Climate change, driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, exacerbates global warming. As a result, average global temperatures rise, increasing the frequency and severity of heat waves.

Climate Change or Natural Causes?

To determine whether heat waves are influenced by climate change or other factors, researchers studied a notable heat wave that impacted Texas and Louisiana in the summer of 2023, which lasted the entire summer.

The researchers analyzed historical temperature data collected from monitoring stations across the United States over the past 100 years and compared it with predictive computer models. These comparisons help ascertain whether heat waves arise from climate change or natural variability.

Understanding the causes of heat waves is vital for affected communities. Knowledge of whether these events will persist in the future can motivate communities to take proactive measures, such as improving urban infrastructure, using sustainable building materials, and promoting the planting of trees and vegetation to mitigate the severity of heat waves.