California's Heat Waves

In late August, residents of the Bay Area were surprised to find a heat wave passing over their homes. Temperatures skyrocketed, reaching higher that 100 degrees fahrenheit. When compared to the 75 to 80 degree weather that was common around the time of year, this boiling weather was nothing they expected. Many residents living in northern regions lacked air conditioning to endure the heat, and many others scrambled to purchase fans in hope of cooling down their homes.

Historically, 100 and higher degree weather has mostly occurred in July and early August. However, as global warming takes over our planet it is predicted that this heat will begin in June and end in September, leaving residents with two more months of warm weather.

Scientists has speculated the cause of this extreme temperature change and many have come to the conclusion that the constant increase global warming has greatly affected this. According to a study conducted by the NOAA (National Center For Environmental Information), the average climate has increased by 18% over the last century. These heat waves are considered to be initial forms of the ongoing rise in temperature.

Since the 1800’s, an exponential rise in carbon emissions have greatly affected the state our Earth is currently in. The burning of fossil fuels is a large part of society and the technology that we have developed. Cars, trains, and other forms of transportation utilize these forms of fuel to travel. Planes also emit nitrogen oxides which create the long smoke-like trails that can commonly be seen in the sky. These emissions account for only 3.5% of carbon emissions, however this height may play a larger part in the warming process of our planet due to the height of the emissions when they are released. While different forms of transportation may seem like the most obvious forms of carbon emissions, energy to power houses and other buildings play a large role in the rise of global warming. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, “About 65% of this electricity generation was from fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases), about 20% was from nuclear energy, and about 15% was from renewable energy sources.”

Many scientists and companies are currently working towards creating environmentally friendly forms of energy and transportation in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint. Companies such as Skycool Systems, Sonnen, and Sistine Solar are taking steps to improve the use of solar energy (a form of renewable energy that utilizes sunlight). Additionally, companies such as Patagonia and Golite use environmentally friendly materials (EPMs) in their clothing and products that require cloth.

As efforts such as these continue, many scientists hope to reduce our carbon footprint and the trend of global warming.