“Well Beyond the U.S., Heat and Climate Extremes Are Hitting Billions" Article Reflection No. 102 (6/22/2024)

Article: “Well Beyond the U.S., Heat and Climate Extremes Are Hitting Billions”

Reflection:

In the article “Well Beyond the U.S., Heat and Climate Extremes Are Hitting Billions,” journalist Somini Sengupta discusses the current heat waves and floods that have recently caused numerous deaths across the globe. Ranging from the extensive flooding that followed turbulent fire in New Mexico to the devastating human toll from heat waves in Saudi Arabia, the extreme weather is inextricably associated with global warming, according to the article. A main cause of global warming that correlates to this extreme weather is the burning of fossil fuels, Sengupta says. The article states that, of date, the US and China contribute most to greenhouse gas emissions by these fossil fuels.                                  

The consequences of human action are so far-reaching, and this current situation with global warming illustrates that so clearly. Frankly, it is a little frustrating how there are so many signs and scientific evidence but a lack of consensus between both sides of the aisle about this same issue. There should be consensus, but how we can pull that together and show society that seems to be one of the main challenges.