Record breaking heat waves and devastating droughts are sweeping through the world, affecting people across the globe. Sacramento, California, experienced their hottest August on record, with temperatures reaching 110 degrees fahrenheit. Other locations in California such as Anahime and Burbank exceeded previous heat records by 20 degrees. According to Marty Whitmore, a National Weather Service Meteorologist, Montana broke multiple daily temperature records this summer.

     So, what is causing this unusual heat wave? A phenomenon known as a “Heat Dome”, usually occurring during the transition from summer to fall, is what is bringing these extreme temperatures to the states. Heat Domes occur when ocean temperatures rise significantly from the previous year, causing air warmed by ocean surface to travel over the pacific coast, creating a heat wave on the land. An international team of climate scientists found that the British Columbia heat wave, for example, was made 150 times more likely because of climate change.

     This year, unlike others, the worsening of climate change has made this Heat Dome much more dangerous for those who are unable to find relief such as older people or those with disabilities. A study in Canada by Human Rights Watch found that 5 older people and 12 people with disabilities said the heat dome significantly affected their mental health, they also said they feared for their lives.

     As well as a government fact finding agency, the BC coroners Service, that reported over 500 heat related deaths from June 20th to July 29th. The main reason for the high number of fatalities due to heat is because of the lack of green space, which causes more heat to be radiated from the ground. Along with inability to afford cooling units, due to low income levels. 

     The other risk that becomes prominent during these heat waves is mental health. People with preexisting mental health conditions reported that the heat dome heightened their symptoms. Feelings of fear and anxiety were also exacerbated due to the feeling of loneliness and abandonment during the heat dome. Another issue that has been posed is existing fear and anxiety related to seeking assistance from the healthcare system, which prevents people with disabilities from seeking help. 

     What is the government doing to help? In Canada and other countries around the world, cooling stations have been implemented as a form of relief for those unable to seek help otherwise. But this posed another problem, many Canadian citizens complained about the transportation to and from the cooling station, and how it was too difficult because of the heat. The walk from the bus stop to the cooling station in the intense heat was too dangerous for those at high risk. The government reacted to these complaints from the Canadian citizens by reimbursing the costs of the cooling centers and providing individual transportation to and from the centers. Vancouver for example, provides overnight hours, in order to avoid the daytime heat. 

     These heat domes are predicted to only increase in frequency and intensity over the next decade, with worsening climate change according to the National Weather Service and the Human Rights Watch.