The temperatures in SoCal have been rising and we are experiencing temperatures in the 100s recently. The heat waves in SoCal during this time have been affecting many communities with the dangerous temperatures caused by the warm air being trapped in the atmosphere. Our community has been experiencing dangerous heat and climate change which has worsened. Heat waves like this bring new illnesses such as kidney and respiratory problems, affecting the people in our community.
Climate Change (Cause of Heat Waves)
These heat waves are effects of climate change on our planet and our air quality is also affected by this. This affects our community and other cities that are experiencing similar temperatures and weather. According to Dr. David Eisenman, a professor at UCLA, heat waves are the most common natural disaster. These heat waves are proved to be caused by climate change. The warm air in our atmosphere is causing temperatures to continue rising. These temperatures are worsening due to high pressure and trapped air in the atmosphere.
Los Angeles saw temperatures go as high as 108 degrees. According to the Los Angeles Times, California’s hottest temperatures have been recorded around September every year which shows an ongoing pattern. News and weather forecasts show that temperatures will continue rising due to burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests, which can put our health and our community at risk.
Affecting our Health
The weather forecasts prove that temperatures are rising and this has a major impact on people living in our community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that heat strokes are one of the leading causes of weather related deaths in Southern California. It is also important to keep children and pets out of this dangerous weather because they are also more likely to get affected by the heat waves. Extreme temperatures like this put us at risk of getting heat related illnesses. According to experts from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, hot days like these are associated with heat-related illnesses such as respiratory complications and kidney disease. These illnesses can include heat strokes especially for people with initial diseases and illnesses. To prevent getting heat strokes or feeling ill, everyone should be drinking plenty of water and staying in the shade.
“We can prevent illnesses by drinking lots of water, wearing light clothes, and staying inside.” said Leslie Morales , a Junior at ELARA. Students at ELARA are taking these precautions to keep themselves safe during this time. This is something that we should remember because it is important to take precautions in these dangerous heats.
(Sunset in LA during the heat waves)
When asked how students and people should prevent illnesses during this hot weather, Fatima, a Junior at ELARA replied, “Stay inside a room with AC and don’t wear hoodies or black clothes.”
Although there are many negative effects of heat waves, there are ways that they can be prevented. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, some ways to prevent this is planting trees and other vegetation which lead to better air quality and also saving more energy. More trees can be planted in urban areas to create more shade which can lower air temperatures. This can lead to using less energy from air conditioners which can positively affect our environment. Other things that can prevent more heat waves in the future are green or cool roofs, cool pavements, or increased vegetation.
“It makes me unmotivated to do work and go to school.” Leslie Morales, a Junior at ELARA explains. “It disturbs schedules due to not being able to walk home in this heat and having to find a ride home during this time.”
“It is an inconvenience for me and my mom because she has to go to work but we have to rush because I need to be picked up due to this hot weather.” said Fatima Neri-Javana, Junior from ELARA.
The heat waves that our community has been experiencing can have negative effects which we can be cautious of. In this heat, we should be making sure to keep our health safe. Although climate change can be harmful to our earth and environment, we can do our part to help make changes to live in a safer area like planting trees to make our air quality better.
Priscilla Munoz Tanaka is a junior at Esteban E. Torres High School who likes to read mystery/horror books, and enjoys watching documentaries. She is creative and loves art- such as drawing, painting, crocheting and more. Priscilla enjoys interacting with people and regularly has those opportunities as she helps her parents with their family business.