Las Vegas has set new temperature records amid the most extreme heat wave in its history. In early July, the city experienced five consecutive days with temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit or more, breaking the previous record of four consecutive days set in July 2005. On July 7, a record high of 120 degrees was reached. In nearby Henderson, Nevada, "polar pods" were introduced to combat the extreme heat. These portable devices allow cold water to flow around individuals suffering from heat stress, cooling them rapidly.

 

Extreme heat can cause serious health issues such as cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke. The burning of polluting fuels has exacerbated this problem, increasing the frequency and severity of heat waves. According to the National Weather Service, heat has been the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States for at least 30 years.

 

This summer, heat is suspected to have caused the deaths of at least 16 people in Oregon and 14 in Maricopa County, Arizona. On some days, over 150 million people in the United States were under heat alerts.

 

The planet recorded its 13th consecutive warmest month in June, due to the increase of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. It is crucial to reduce the emission of these gases to cool our planet. We can contribute by making cleaner choices in our daily lives, supporting sustainable brands, and using technologies such as LED light bulbs, which are less polluting and save money.