By Paul Bledsoe
The last few weeks have brought unprecedented high temperatures in the U.S. and globally, including the four hottest days in a row worldwide ever in recorded history. More than 100 million Americans in 15 states were under extreme heat last week, with similar conditions expected for this week for most of the country, causing increased rates of asthma, heat stroke and a spike in emergency room visits. Already, new research finds more than 60,000 people died in Europe last summer due to extreme heat.
Scientists have been warning us of these climate impacts for decades — and that if left unchecked, emissions will cause feedback loops and tipping points in natural systems that will greatly accelerate global warming and its deadly impacts.
We are, in fact, far closer to disastrous, runaway climate change than our leaders are willing to admit. Collectively, we are sleepwalking toward catastrophe, willfully ignoring the signs of impending calamity much as monarchs and heads of state did in Europe in 1914 and 1939 on the precipice of the 20th century’s world wars.
This story was originally published by The Messenger on July 25, 2023.
