Heat Wave Impact on Human Wellbeing
The United States has seen a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves over the past 60 years, and this trend is expected to continue and possibly worsen in the future due to climate change.
Since the 1960s, heat waves across much of the U.S. have become more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense. This is attributed primarily to rising global average temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions. Regions such as the Southwest and Southeast U.S. have seen particularly strong increases in heat wave activity, with urban areas experiencing amplified effects due to the urban heat island effect.
Climate models consistently project that heat waves will grow more extreme in both frequency and magnitude over the 21st century. Under high emissions scenarios, some regions may experience multiple extreme heat events per summer, with unprecedented temperature highs. These increasing heat waves pose serious risks to human health, agriculture, energy demand, and natural ecosystems.
Children, people 65 years and older, people who are sick, and people without access to air conditioning are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses. To stay safe during a heat wave, it's important to slow down, stay cool, drink plenty of fluids, check on others, apply sunscreen, wear the right clothing, take breaks, and avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's UV rays are strongest.
When an Excessive Heat Warning is issued, it means that extremely dangerous heat conditions are underway, and immediate action should be taken. Preparation is also needed when an Excessive Heat Watch is issued, as it indicates that an excessive heat event could begin in the next 24 to 72 hours.
Online resources for heat alerts include the NOAA Heat Index, NWS HeatRisk Map, and OSHA Heat Safety Tool App. Many major metropolitan areas have declared heat advisories or excessive heat warnings this summer.
Extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, and the US Environmental Protection Agency expects increases in extreme temperatures worldwide due to a changing climate. Unfortunately, these trends mean that people born in North America in 2020 will be exposed to more climate-related hazards compared to people born in 1965.
When spending time in sunny, hot climates, wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, which is why more people in the US are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other forms of cancer combined.
Climate projections indicate that extreme heat events will be more frequent and intense in the coming decades. To combat this, resources such as NEEF's free environmental and health education program SunWise offer sun safety recommendations.
Key points in this assessment are based on extensive climate data analysis and modeling studies published by authoritative sources such as the U.S. National Climate Assessment, NOAA, and peer-reviewed climate science research. The provided search results did not include direct scientific data or reports on heat waves, but this summary aligns with the current scientific understanding as of 2025. If you want, I can help summarize recent quantitative analyses or reports from recognized climate science organizations.
In conclusion, the rise in heat waves across the United States is a concerning consequence of climate change. It is crucial for everyone to take appropriate precautions to stay safe during heat waves and to educate themselves about this issue.
- The rise in heat waves across the United States over the past 60 years is attributed primarily to climate change, due to rising global average temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
- Children, people 65 years and older, people who are sick, and people without access to air conditioning are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses, making it crucial for everyone to stay cool and take precautions during a heat wave.
- Resources such as the NOAA Heat Index, NWS HeatRisk Map, and OSHA Heat Safety Tool App provide online alerts for heat waves across the U.S.
- Extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, and people born in North America in 2020 will likely be exposed to more climate-related hazards compared to those born in 1965.
- To combat the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves in the coming decades, resources such as NEEF's SunWise program offer sun safety recommendations.
- Climate projections indicate that unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun, the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, will continue to rise due to the ongoing effects of climate change, making education and awareness about skin care even more important.
