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Climate

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5 unexpected consequences of extreme heat

The climate crisis has been projected to bring changes to our world of unprecedented and unpredictable depth and range. From rising seas and stronger storms, to extreme heat and disease, we are experiencing changes that scientists have predicted for decades. But what about the unexpected consequences of extreme heat due to climate change? This summer was the hottest on record and the coolest it may ever be again. As the U.S. summer heat season finally wanes, we’ve compiled a short list of five consequences of living with extreme heat for everyone to think about as we look ahead to the 2024 heat season.

Underwater coral reef with group of tropical fish anthias, Red sea resort concept, Egypt

Global ocean roiled by marine heatwaves, with more on the way

The surface temperatures of about 40% of the global ocean are already high enough to meet the criteria for a marine heatwave — a period of persistent anomalously warm ocean temperatures — which can have significant impacts on marine life as well as coastal communities and economies. The new forecast by the Physical Sciences Laboratory (PSL) projects that it will increase to 50% by September, and it could stay that way through the end of the year.

FREETOWN HEAT ISLAND CAMPAIGN In January 2023, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, shared information about heat health issues facing Freetown residents and the work being done to address these challenges. Courtesy of Eric Hubbard

Lessons from heat mapping in two tropical cities

For the last seven years, NOAA has supported more than 70 U.S. communities in projects to help citizens map the hottest neighborhoods of their community. Earlier this year, NOAA branched into the wider world to support heat island mapping campaigns overseas. 

High level view of a dense green forest and a river running through it

NOAA Blue Carbon Inventory Project Participates in a Virtual Workshop with Government of Indonesia Ministry of Environment and Forestry

The NOAA Blue Carbon Inventory (BCI) Project participated in a virtual workshop with the Government of Indonesia Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan – KLHK) on May 10th, 2023. The workshop was focused on opportunities for technical exchange on blue carbon and remote sensing, and other US agencies including NASA, USGS, and FWS were in attendance.

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