Our Warming Planet

Image by Li-An Lim

Temperatures have spiked to record highs in California, Seattle, Oregon, and other areas across the West Coast, leaving scientists concerned for numerous reasons. The warming climate, while raising temperatures and contributing to greater likelihoods of natural disasters, also impacts our health and well-being, and could begin to alter our daily living. Scientists mention in the World Weather Attribution group that we need to begin adapting to the changing climate to prevent weather-related deaths and illnesses. For example, heat waves and droughts can destroy towns like Lytton B.C., where rebuilding plans should take an estimated two years. A heatwave in Lytton started a wildfire that destroyed 90% of the village, causing several injuries and deaths in a town of about 300 people. 

Massive weather events like this one may become more common as temperatures continue to rise, and we are beginning to see these serious weather changes in the United States. 

Portland, Oregon, for example, reached 116 degrees, contributing to this extreme weather anomaly that left many scientists baffled. Following the intense heat in the West, the World Weather Attribution group conducted a study which analyzed human influence on extreme weather circumstances, like the current heatwaves, and such weather’s connection to climate change. 

The study concluded that these historically high temperatures would not have been possible without human influence on the climate; in fact, human influence made the heatwaves around 150 times more likely to occur. While such extreme heat in the West and Pacific Northwest has historically remained a rare occurrence, as the earth continues warming these extreme weather conditions will become more likely. 

As global temperatures rise and extreme weather conditions persist, it’s important to consider who will be most impacted by the changing climate. During the heatwaves, we saw hundreds of deaths and heat-related illnesses, especially for those living without air conditioning and those without any shelter from the heat. Many were left unprepared for the record-breaking heat, and it leaves us with the question of who is most vulnerable to climate change. 

The Scientific American published an article highlighting the impact of climate change in Black and lower-income neighborhoods stemming back to segregation times. The “redlining” of minority communities during segregation leaves these concentrated areas to endure the brunt of climate change. The lasting effects of redlining still plague minority neighborhoods, as they face economic inequality, lack of public services, and poorer air quality from highways, industrial plants, and landfills.

The Scientific American’s article cites air pollution in redlined areas as “an epidemic,” as pollution and extreme heat continue to kill minority residents at a higher rate in these low-income areas than almost any other cause. On average, redlined areas are about 5 degrees hotter than non-redlined areas, and this gap can grow to a 20-degree difference during warmer months.  

A study from the Science Museum of Virginia explained that these higher temperatures in urban areas can be attributed to a lack of natural green spaces that help cool street temperatures. Redlined areas are typically industrialized, with factories, industrial plants, and building space that not only worsen air quality, but clear out necessary green spaces that could combat extreme air pollution.

Scientists are currently working toward combatting climate change as it becomes an even more pressing issue. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has research on several areas of environmental protection, including air quality, energy production and human health. By continuing their research, the EPA is able to give tools to communities on how to better handle the changing climate. For example, the EPA conducted research on changing rainfall in the US. In the Southeastern US, the changing climate could cause a 30% increase in daily precipitation by 2100. With the help of scientists and researchers, communities can become equipped to handle these drastic changes in weather that will impact daily life. 

NASA published a list of sustainability objectives that work toward environmental protection, and many businesses have begun implementing changes in environmental ethics. NASA cites several objectives on their website, including constructing sustainable buildings, eliminating waste and increasing recycling, and increasing the use of renewable energy.  

We also see other companies working toward sustainability, like UPS who continues to implement renewable energy sources in their company. Saving our planet is not an issue that can be resolved by one singular group. Businesses, communities, governments, and individuals must work toward sustainability in all possible ways, from small green changes in our homes to environmental policy changes for large businesses who contribute to our current climate crisis. Together, we must all come together to save the planet and prevent any further damage to our communities. 

By Maddy Fink

Journalism major and avid baker. Lover of yoga and a very dedicated plant mom.