Extreme heat on Independence Day will be America's new normal, experts say
Page 5/6

And experts and officials said some of the numbers aren't even out of the ordinary for heat-related emergencies.

How will people adapt?

Overall, people need to understand that more extreme weather is going to happen — like it or not, Rawlins said.

"It's laudable that the systems are stepping up and parades are being canceled and cooling centers are opening up, but I wouldn't want anyone to get complacent in thinking that we're prepared for what the future may bring," he said, adding that the key to avoiding the worst consequences of climate change is to bring down greenhouse gas emissions.

Cohen said extreme weather events reflect the "new normal," and many cities are preparing. He sees changes like keeping public buildings with air conditioning open longer, improving local emergency response services, and real estate developers taking climate change into account.

Prev
Next
Back to headlines
News menu
Home