The current wave of extreme heat in the United States and worldwide is not the result of natural cycles or changes in solar activity, but is instead caused by human activity, climate scientist and professor at Texas Tech University, Katharine Hayhoe, shared this view in an interview with RIA Novosti.
“The Earth is warming faster than at any point in human history, and we are to blame. Specifically, nearly three-quarters of the warming is linked to greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal, gas, and oil. The remaining quarter comes from deforestation, changes in land use, and unsustainable agriculture,” the agency’s interlocutor stated.
According to Hayhoe, the current heatwave cannot be explained by natural factors such as solar activity or volcanic eruptions. On the contrary, if only natural causes were considered, the Earth should currently be experiencing a slight cooling rather than warming.
The climate scientist asserts that humanity already has solutions to this problem: transitioning to clean energy, adopting sustainable agriculture, and investing in nature.
“A better future is possible, but these heatwaves are a warning sign that it’s time to act,” she added.
In recent weeks, intense heat and stormy weather have placed a significant strain on American infrastructure. In New York City, the temperature rose to 38 degrees Celsius last Thursday, causing asphalt to melt in the city. Several cities along the U.S. East Coast canceled or postponed Fourth of July events due to the heat, and on Saturday, at least 840,000 households were left without electricity amid extreme temperatures and storms.
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