NUNZIUM

The world is currently grappling with an unprecedented heat crisis that is stretching from Europe to America. Italy, a popular tourist destination, is under red alerts with 16 cities experiencing soaring temperatures due to the ongoing heatwave named Cerberus. This heatwave is but a prelude to the upcoming Charon, which is predicted to push the mercury above 40°C next week.

This intense heat is not confined to Italy. Greece, the US, Japan, and China are also feeling the effects. In Greece, temperatures have reached 40°C (104°F), leading to the closure of the Acropolis in Athens during peak heat hours. In the US, Nevada, Arizona, and California are expecting temperatures to exceed 120°F (48.8°C), while in Asia, Japan and China are bracing for temperatures around 39°C.

The consequences of these extreme temperatures are severe and life-threatening. In Italy, the heat has already claimed a life, and several tourists have suffered from heatstroke. The Greek Red Cross is aiding those affected by heat-related illnesses, while in Phoenix, Arizona, mobile clinics are treating homeless people with third-degree burns.

The heatwaves are also sparking fears of wildfires. Greece, still reeling from major wildfires in 2021, is on high alert, especially in areas with strong winds. In Spain's Canary Islands, a forest fire has necessitated the evacuation of 4,000 people and destroyed 11,000 acres of land. Meanwhile, California in the US has seen a series of blazes.

These extreme heat events are part of a disturbing trend. The EU's climate monitoring service, Copernicus, reports that last month was the hottest June ever recorded. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warns that such extreme weather, a consequence of climate change, is becoming the "new normal." These intense heat periods are becoming more frequent, severe, and prolonged due to global warming.

This trend is not confined to Europe. In the US, heat advisories have been issued for almost a third of the population, approximately 113 million people. The National Weather Service (NWS) is urging people to take the life-threatening risk seriously. The CDC estimates that heat-related causes result in around 700 deaths annually in the US.

Scientists attribute the rising temperatures to climate change and El Niño, a naturally occurring weather pattern. The world has already warmed by about 1.1°C since the industrial era began. Paolo Ceppi, a climate scientist at Imperial College London, links the increased incidence of extreme weather to these higher global temperatures.

As the world endures the twin heatwaves of Cerberus and Charon, it's clear that this is more than just a summer heatwave - it's a wake-up call. The future is here, and it's hotter than ever. It's a stark reminder that it's time for the world to pay attention to the escalating climate crisis.