The Impact of Climate Change on Heat Waves

Climate change is intensifying heat waves by trapping heat, pushing temperatures significantly higher than usual. The rise in planet-warming pollution, particularly carbon dioxide levels, due to burning oil, gas, and coal is a key factor. Human activities are causing a rapid increase in CO2 levels, setting new records annually since 1958. The current level of 426.9 parts per million is significantly higher than before. Despite some efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, global emissions are not decreasing enough to reverse this trend. The Earth is extremely sensitive to even slight changes in CO2 levels, amplifying the impact of heat-trapping gases on the planet.