During the summer, in many parts of the world, the mercury in thermometers rises to alarming levels. However, when extreme heat is combined with high levels of air pollution, the temperature can rise to several degrees higher. This phenomenon has become a latent concern, especially in densely populated cities like Shanghai, where he is currently facing the worst heat wave recorded in the last 145 yearsThis extreme event is a reflection of the global warming we are experiencing.
Recently, Shanghai reported maximum temperatures reaching 40,9ºCThis extreme climate, fueled by high humidity and a worrying level of pollution, has led residents to experience temperatures as high as 50ºCThe situation has been so devastating that the deaths of four people as a direct consequence of these conditions. In fact, these types of extreme weather events have become more frequent, as detailed in other studies on the impact of heat waves.
El Tuesday, the city issued its third red alert of the year due to high temperatures. This alert came in a context where the fourth hottest day since the beginning of meteorological records in the region, more than a century ago. This situation resembles recent events, where June was declared the hottest month in various regions of the planet, as can be read in reports on the extreme heat recording historic temperatures.
The impact of the heat has been severe. According to reports from the local newspaper Shanghai Daily, four people have lost their lives, while dozens of elderly people and others have been hospitalized due to heat stroke and other conditions related to extreme heat. This type of extreme heat could intensify, as mentioned in studies on climate change.
Prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection during periods of high temperatures, especially during a heat wave, may result in serious health consequences. Continued exposure can cause loss of consciousness and even lead to heart or respiratory failure, pulmonary or cerebral edema, and organ failure. This makes it vital to consider how to manage the effects of heat, as discussed in other analyses of the consequences of heat waves.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Extreme Heat
To avoid complications and protect health during these heat waves, it is crucial that people take certain preventive measures:
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing hats, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
In addition to these personal recommendations, it is essential to have a collective awareness about global warmingIf adequate measures are not taken to curb this problem, more people risk suffering the potentially fatal consequences of high temperatures. As extreme weather becomes more common, as mentioned in the relationship between extreme weather and global warming, action becomes increasingly urgent.
Rising Temperatures and Pollution
The combination of extreme heat and high pollution levels in Shanghai is a matter of concern. Studies have shown that heat has an effect on urban smog, worsening air quality and, therefore, increasing respiratory problems in the population. Many people, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are the most vulnerable to these heat waves. This phenomenon is also reflected in studies on heat waves in different regions, where an increasing pattern of high temperatures is observed, as in the case of the heat wave in siberia.
Urban overcrowding and the lack of green spaces for refuge from the heat further exacerbate the situation. Many residents are forced to seek relief in air-conditioned places, but not everyone can access them, leading to extreme situations where individuals are forced to sleep on the streets or in public spaces. Furthermore, in various parts of the world, rising temperatures have led to similar situations, as described in events such as extreme heat.
Experts warn that this heat wave is not an isolated incident, but a possible indicator of more dangerous weather patterns that could intensify over time. Weather projections suggest that, although a slight relief in temperatures is expected soon, these extreme weather events could become more severe. more common in the futureThis reality highlights the need for an effective and rapid response. Concern over a heat wave is not just a local problem, but can have global consequences, as mentioned in studies on the temperature rise.
Therefore, it is crucial that cities like Shanghai implement effective strategies to mitigate the impact of heat waves, such as creation of more green spaces, improvements in water management infrastructure and the promotion of cleaner technologies to reduce pollution.
