Life-threatening heat waves in the U. S. and Europe, along with China’s record-setting heat, are directly linked to human-caused climate change, according to international researchers. These extreme temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere this summer, breaking over 2,000 high-temperature records in the U. S. alone, are heightened by global warming. Palermo, Sicily, saw a historic 117-degree Fahrenheit temperature, while a northwest Chinese town experienced its highest recorded temperature.
The team, including experts from the World Weather Attribution group, stressed that such events would be nearly impossible without climate change. The influence of El Niño, a natural pattern, is noted, but the burning of fossil fuel (化石燃料) is the main driver of severe heatwaves. Human activities have driven a nearly 2-degree Fahrenheit global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution’s onset. The researchers utilized weather data and computer models to analyze the impact of warming on ongoing heatwaves. Their rapid attribution report, though yet to be peer-reviewed, indicated that greenhouse gas release increases the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. Bernadette Woods Placky, chief meteorologist at Climate Central, agreed with this conclusion, stressing the connection between rising greenhouse gases and heat occurrences.
Even a slight temperature rise poses serious health risks, as indicated by the World Health Organization. Heat-related illnesses, heart attacks, and strokes become more probable. Vulnerable communities, including low-income areas and communities of color, face heightened risks due to rising temperatures.
Last year, Europe’s heatwaves killed around 61,000 lives, predominantly among women. Similarly, a heat dome in the Pacific Northwest in 2021 led to hundreds of deaths in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Michael Wehner, a climate scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, warned that dangerous climate change is a present reality and demanded heightened awareness of its results.
In reality, the current heatwaves devastating various regions are basically linked to human-induced climate change. As the world experiences extreme temperatures, it is necessary to recognize the urgency (紧急) of solving this dangerous situation through sustainable practices and policies (政策).
8. What happened to the U. S., Europe and China this summer?
A.Global warming. | B.Extreme heat. | C.Climate change. | D.Setting records. |
9. What is the second paragraph mainly about?
A.The findings from experts. | B.The researchers’ hard work. |
C.The effects of human activities. | D.The reasons for high temperatures. |
10. How do heatwaves affect people?
A.They cause damage to people. | B.They lead to people’s escape. |
C.They encourage people to fight. | D.They make people become strong. |
11. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
A.To tell the causes of heatwaves. | B.To call on people to take action. |
C.To introduce phenomena of heatwaves. | D.To find ways to protect the environment. |