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Record High
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EDITOR’S NOTE
As carbon emissions rise, communities across the globe are dealing with increasingly severe and frequent bouts of extreme temperatures. Scientists have observed an eightfold increase in record-breaking hot months over the past decade, and at any given time, extreme heat is now affecting about one-tenth of the Earth’s land area. Some 8 million Americans were exposed to “extreme danger” temperatures last year alone, defined by the National Weather Service as a heat index of more than 125 degrees Fahrenheit. By 2053, that number is expected to rise to 107 million.
These scorching temperatures are impacting public health, drought, agriculture, infrastructure, equity, ecosystems, and much more. But there are also innovative solutions, policies, and technologies being tested to adapt to this hotter future. Follow Grist as it delves into all aspects of extreme heat — and sign up for our weekly newsletter.
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Extreme Heat Newsletter
All stories
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Is it time for the world to take a siesta?
An idea from the past could provide a way to cope with extreme heat.
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The fight for worker safety protection heats up at the Phoenix airport
People laboring in brutal temperatures want OSHA to investigate conditions that leave them vulnerable to heat illness and exhaustion.
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The end of summer vacation
With scorching temperatures, are we losing our ability to have fun in the sun?
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Parts of the world have already grown too hot for human survival
Even more areas will face such conditions as the planet continues to warm from fossil fuel combustion.
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The planet just sizzled through the hottest summer on record
Scientists have long warned that scorching summers — marked by heat waves, freak storms, and drought — could become the norm.
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How many people are really dying from heat?
“The system of death surveillance wasn’t designed for a climate-changed world."
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Why the United States undercounts climate-driven deaths
"The system of death surveillance wasn’t designed for a climate-changed world."
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Extreme Heat 101: Your guide to staying safe and keeping cool
Advice on keeping kids, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers healthy and happy in a heat emergency.
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Rainforest study: Scientists now know the temperature at which photosynthesis stops
Heat is just one of many stressors for the world’s beleaguered Amazon.
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In Portland, Oregon, extreme heat is making food trucks feel like ovens
"The sun is beating down on this metal box.”