Silent Killer: The Lethal Impact of Heat Waves on Living Beings

Climate change is a consequence of our actions, causing a chain reaction of shifts in the environment that includes heat waves getting stronger. Heat waves are distinguished from regular hot weather patterns by extended periods of abnormally high temperatures, frequently several degrees above ordinary seasonal averages. Heat waves have an adverse impact on human health and the environment. They enhance urban heat island effects, which occur when cities become much warmer than rural areas as a result of human activity and structures that absorb and trap the heat. The effects on human health are severe: heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke increase in frequency, especially in susceptible groups including the elderly, children, and people with underlying medical issues. This necessitates a thorough plan that covers safeguarding the environment, getting ready for health emergencies, and making sure everyone has what they need to stay safe in the warmer months. 

The Escalating Threat of Heat Waves: 

A heat wave is defined as an extended period of unusually high surface temperatures that are higher than the regular seasonal range. These events, might last from a few days to many weeks, pose serious health hazards to people and can lead to weather-related deaths especially in developing nations. Globally, heat waves have been more frequent and intense since the 1950s; this trend is intrinsically related to climate change. Severe heat can make other kinds of catastrophic events more likely. Heat can exacerbate droughts, and the hot, dry weather increases the likelihood of wildfires. The urban heat island effect is the result of heat being absorbed by buildings, roads, and other infrastructures, which raises temperatures in urban areas during daytime by one to seven degrees Fahrenheit (−17.22∘C to −13.89∘C) relative to surrounding areas in the United States. The effect is greatest during the day, although cities can remain significantly hotter than their surroundings during the night due to the gradual release of heat from infrastructure or an atmospheric heat island. People, ecosystems, and ultimately the economy  are all at risk from rising temperatures. 

Heat waves are no longer limited to conventional hot areas: they are now hitting a wider range of places worldwide. Heat waves, which were once thought to be a problem only for tropical and subtropical regions, are now affecting temperate and even polar areas. Climate change, which is worsening extreme weather worldwide, is the primary cause of this shift. As a result, heat waves are occurring more frequently and intensely in places that are not used to sustained high temperatures. According to Arab News, more than 7,253 glaciers may be found in Pakistan, making it the nation with the most glacial ice outside of the polar regions. These glaciers are a vital source of freshwater for Pakistan, providing over 70% of the water that flows into the rivers and is used for agriculture, biological habitats, human drinking, and even energy production. However, the snow is melting more quickly due to recent heatwaves and above-average temperatures, which might eventually jeopardize life by creating a water deficit. The situation highlights the need for global adaptation and mitigation plans to address the effects of extreme heat events. 

A glacial lake bursts in Hassanabad village, in the northern Hunza region of Pakistan, causing flooding and the collapse of a bridge. Picture Credit: CNN AFP/Getty Images 

 Health Risks and Vulnerable Populations: 

Heat is referred to as the "silent killer" since it is more deadly than all other natural disasters and leaves no visible signs of the extent of its destruction. The health impacts of heat waves vary depending on factors such as the timing, intensity, and duration of the event, as well as infrastructure resilience to climate conditions. The threshold at which temperatures become hazardous differs by region, and it is influenced by humidity, wind, and community readiness for extreme heat.  

Excessive heat exposure can disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature, leading to heat related illnesses like cramps, exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia. These conditions can escalate rapidly, causing hospitalizations and, in severe cases, premature death. The effects of heat are not limited to immediate physical ailments. Temperature extremes can exacerbate chronic health issues such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes complications, and worsen overall health conditions. According to Reuters, more than 40,000 cases of heatstroke are suspected in India this summer, and a prolonged heat wave has already claimed over 100 lives nationwide. By understanding heatwaves and taking proactive measures, communities can better protect vulnerable populations during periods of extreme heat. 

Patients at the Delhi heat stroke facility are submerged in freezing ceramic tubs. Picture Credit: BBC 

Ecological and Socioeconomic Consequences: 

Extended heat waves affect natural ecosystems in significant and diverse ways. By changing the habitats of species, influencing their reproductive cycles, and making them more susceptible to illnesses, they can upset delicate ecological balances. Heat waves can also cause changes in the distribution of species, alterations in vegetation patterns, and even local extinctions. High daytime temperatures during heat waves can impede plant growth, especially for crops that prefer cooler nighttime temperatures. In addition to affecting crop production, this heat stress throws off the normal cycles that are essential for the best possible development of plants. 

Livestock are also highly vulnerable to heat waves , particularly when high overnight temperatures keep them from getting enough rest. Cattle that are subjected to heat stress may produce less milk, grow more slowly, and have poorer fertility. For instance, the 2021 drought in the Western United States forced North Dakota cattle ranchers to sell off their livestock prematurely due to insufficient winter feed. In California, wildfires have ravaged agricultural lands, driving up insurance costs for farms and vineyards. 

Moreover, warmer temperatures also accelerate the rate at which water evaporates into the atmosphere, increasing the atmosphere's ability to "hold" water. In certain areas, this phenomenon may result in localized drying, while in other areas it may cause excessive precipitation. Planning for agriculture and managing water resources is increasingly difficult due to  these changes in precipitation patterns, which calls for the development of adaptable mitigation techniques for these unpredictable effects of climate change. 

Due to the drought and strong winds, the Tamarack fire in 2021 spreads uncontrolled while cattle graze in California. Picture Source: Ty O’Neil / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images 

A call to action: 

Educating the public about the dangers of heat waves is crucial. Understanding local heat vulnerability indices (HVIs) helps identify at-risk communities, like Clairton near Pittsburgh, where increased asthma incidents are linked to industrial pollution and outdoor activities during heat. Public education campaigns are vital since heat-related health issues are often unrecognized, underscoring the role of advocates in community awareness. Implementing robust early warning systems, akin to Baltimore's Code Red Extreme Heat, is pivotal for timely alerts and protective actions, safeguarding lives during heat waves.  

However, the involvement of youth is also essential in addressing climate change, as their efforts play a crucial role in tackling this global challenge. In 2021, with the assistance of Pakistani youth, Prime Minister Imran Khan successfully oversaw the planting of 350 million trees across the country. Meanwhile, in 2023, as summer temperatures increased across Bangladesh, access to drinking water became critical for passengers. To ensure that everyone had access to safe drinking water, the Rover Scout Group of Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute organized a free water distribution drive along the Rajshahi-Naogaon route. This underscores how crucial youth involvement is in addressing community needs effectively. 

Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute Rover Scout Group distributes water to the passengers on a hot summer day. Picture Credit: Scouts for SDGs 

In conclusion, heat waves that are made worse by climate change pose serious dangers to global ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. Proactive steps are needed to address these issues, such as increased public awareness campaigns, enhanced early warning systems, and youth engagement in vital community resilience initiatives. We may better prepare for and shield ourselves against the severe effects of extreme heat events by implementing these precautions.