Climate Change is Taking the World by Drought

Climate change has been sweeping throughout the world, especially in Middle Eastern countries. Despite only causing 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions, India is currently in one of its worst heat waves in a while, temperatures shooting up to 113° Fahrenheit. With an average temperature of 73° Fahrenheit, people are left reeling at the temperature change. 

People barely go outside, relying on fans to keep as cool as possible. As of June 1, 2022, 25 deaths have been reported in India, and more than 65 in Pakistan. This is due to the excessive amount of heat causing heatstroke and extreme dehydration. Multiple warnings have been issued by the governments. 

At the end of April, temperatures in Jacobabad and Nawabshah in Pakistan had reached 120°  Fahrenheit. For both countries, temperatures at their lowest have been just 85° Fahrenheit. These temperatures are also expected to severely affect the wheat harvest in India, which is the largest producer of the resource. 

With the Ukrainian war ravaging the world economy and the price and demand for food rising, this added side effect of climate change is only making things harder. While the rise is the worst in the Middle East and Asia, everywhere else is also feeling the heat.

2022 is considered to be the 5th hottest year on record, just below 2019. The global average temperature has risen by around 2° Fahrenheit. The ice caps are melting at record speeds, sending floods and excess water all over the world. India has been suffering from floods, as well as the intense heat.

The heatwave also hit locally, with temperatures in Nutley peaking at 99° Fahrenheit earlier this month, and is estimated to reach higher. 

“It’s so hot out,” Caroline Ritacco said, a junior here at Nutley High School. “It’s very unusual the way the temperatures are fluctuating.” Days go from 90° to 79° Fahrenheit in the same week. This fluctuation can kill and harm produce, and extreme droughts hit all over the country. “It sucks so much,” said DG Killian, a sophomore at NHS. “I get sweaty walking to school, that shouldn’t be happening!”

In this intense heatwave, it is important to keep as safe as possible. This year, make sure to drink water, and not just when you’re thirsty. According to Mayo Clinic, you should drink at least eight glasses of water per day. The hotter the day, the more water should be consumed. Sunscreen should be used liberally to protect your skin from UV rays, and staying safe and cool is important. In extremely hot weather, try to stay inside; if you’re outside, keep track of the amount of time to avoid heatstroke. 

Have a safe summer, and don’t forget the sunscreen!