As we continue to swelter under the first heat dome of summer, I begin work on my chapter on Climate Change for Poisoning Our Children, forthcoming from Johns Hopkins in 2027. But this heat dome will not be our last this year, much less in the years to come. Tragically, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
This heat dome, with temperatures over 100º F in some places, has caused overwhelmed utilities, buckled roads, and increased hospitalization for heat-related illnesses, including 150 people at just one graduation in New Jersey.
It's true we have seen extreme heat previously, but climate change is certainly worsening heat waves and making them more frequent. And unfortunately, because the Arctic is warming fastest, the jet stream is slowing down, becoming loopier and making weather systems sit in one place longer.
Over a year ago, the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC) to the EPA on which I sit wrote a letter to Administrator Regan asking for further action on climate change mitigation and adaptation in order to protect children. Unfortunately, the Trump administration is now revoking multiple regulations and programs President Biden had put in place to mitigate climate change. Congress is attacking climate-friendly policies and incentives in the "big, beautiful bill," that is anything but beautiful for our planet and our future.
A couple of years ago, this hit home. One of my dearest friends very suddenly lost her 42-year-old healthy brother-in-law when he went hiking in weather that was too hot. He had water, but what many do not understand is that even if well hydrated, your organs start to cook at high temperatures.
So what can you do to protect yourself and your family? Many public health organizations have excellent fact sheets, including
and The World Health Organization (WHO).
All these sources agree on the basics:
Pay attention to weather reports and heat wave alerts.
Use air conditioning if you are able since this is the number-one protective factor. If you cannot get it at home, consider cooling centers, movie theaters, malls, or other cool public spaces.
Stay hydrated and avoid outdoor exercise during extreme heat, particularly in the middle of the day. When outside, seek shade and wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
Take special care when pregnant and with children since children are more susceptible.
Check your baby's diaper for concentrated urine, a sign of dehydration.
Never leave a child in a parked car, even if the windows are open.
Consider planting trees on the south side of your house and buying inexpensive blackout blinds to keep sun out.
Know the signs of heat illness: flushed skin, dizziness, headache, fatigue, weakness or lethargy, muscle cramps, dry mouth, little to no sweating, loss of consciousness. Remove to cool area and/or cool water and seek medical attention.
We should all be thinking about ways to mitigate climate change: reducing energy use, travel, and consumption generally. But tragically, it is also time to start taking steps to adapt to the harmful effects of climate change that are already upon us.