Hot Stuff?

In many parts of the globe, temperatures are rising. For example, many locations in the US and Canada are currently under a 'heat dome'. Some 80% of their populations have now been living at temperatures of 32 degrees Centigrade or higher for extended periods. This is a health hazard, particularly in the elderly and the very young. Heat stroke, along with dehydration, is a major killer (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/18/heat-dome-heatwave). Concomitantly, in India, engineers are predicting prolonged 'blackouts' because of the increased use of fans; air coolers and air conditioners by a heat-stressed population. Increased electricity use (especially from coal-fired generators) will, of course, further accelerate climate change (https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/18/india-engineers-blackouts-heatwave-north) The most recent Hajj in Mecca resulted in the deaths of more than 550 pilgrims. Hardly surprising, as they slowly progressed in temperatures around 50 degrees Centigrade (https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/18/hundreds-of-hajj-pilgrims-die-in-mecca-from-heat-related-illness). Also in the news have been reports of at least 6 holiday makers, reported dead or missing as 'abnormally hot' temperatures hit the Mediterranean. Some of these folk may have been unaware of the dangers of walking under these circumstances (https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/17/greek-island-deaths-missing-tourists-search). All this and yet the most recent reports show that world 'greenhouse gas' emissions are increasing. You might have hoped that the message would be filtering through by now! If emissions ceased tomorrow, it would be at least 40 years before things returned to 'normal' (i.e. Pre-Industrial era) levels.