80% Heard of Extreme Heat Warnings Issued Caused by European Heat Waves

Science continues to provide evidence that human actions, mainly the combustion of fossil fuels, have warmed the earth. Experts believe that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow, the worst impacts of climate change will be inevitable.

Different regions of the world have been breaking records for their highest daily temperatures recently. Persistent heat waves hit parts of Europe in the middle of this year, prompting wildfires, evacuations, and heat-related fatalities. For this reason, Real Research launched a survey on Europe’s heatwave and climate change.

Highlights:

• 80.44% know about the first-ever red alert caused by European heat waves
• 52.41% believe developing countries should take equal responsibility along with developed countries to combat climate change
• 41.72% believe that individual efforts are the most effective in preventing rapid climate change

European Heat Waves to Cause the First Red Warning in the UK

Throughout the years, scientists have warned that the increased frequency and severity of heat waves are one of the most immediate implications of climate change. For instance, European heat waves are currently occurring in countries accustomed to temperate weather. Firstly, the survey reveals that most (45.29%) of the respondents reside in a country where heatwaves are a big problem.

In addition, 19.17% believe that heat wave is undeniably an issue in their country, while 19.37% are unconcerned. Only 8.91% of respondents say their country is not affected by the heat waves.

European heat waves are still baking their countries in unprecedented heat. For the first time, the UK reached a temperature of more than 40 degrees Celsius. Wildfires are raging across French woodlands, and as a result, the Met Office has issued the first-ever Red alert for dangerously high temperatures. Almost all (80.44%) know about the extreme heat warnings issued due to record-breaking European heat waves. Leaving only 19.56% that are not.

Furthermore, experts believe that global warming is to blame for the unusually high temperatures causing European heat waves, for example. In the same way, 44.15% strongly agree, with another 22.56% believing. While 19.85% of respondents remain indifferent, 6.64% disagree.

Heat Waves: Threat of Climate Change

Rising temperatures can endanger the ecosystem – the environment and its inhabitants. Such heat waves can increase the odds of other sorts of disasters like what happened due to European heat waves. For example, 40.2% of respondents are particularly concerned about massive wildfires. Others are concerned about drought (20.79%), heatflation (11.46%), and melting glaciers (6.79%).

Climate change already means the world will see more extreme weather-related events. More so, it is climate change that scientists have promised to be significant and is here to stay for the foreseeable future. In this case, 43.05% take this subject very seriously, and another 19.97% are concerned. However, 22.27% are indifferent, and 7.58% are unconcerned about climate change.

Nevertheless, individuals are taking sets of action to fight climate change. A large group of 30.63% is reducing their use of packaging materials. Others adopt various methods such as garbage separation (15.68%), reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (9.11%), and energy conservation (8.88%).

Also Read: 30.57% Believe Our Priority Should Be to Protect and Restore Forests

Humans as the Ultimate Cause of Climate Change

Developed countries, such as the United States and the European Union, have been responsible for most heat-trapping emissions released into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. On the other hand, developing countries emit less but face the equal weight of a hotter climate in the form of severe heat waves, floods, and droughts.

Yet, for the 52.41% of respondents, developing countries should take equal responsibility with developed countries to combat climate change. In contrast, 18.4% say developed countries should take greater responsibility.

Higher levels of economic activity are often associated with increased energy use and natural resource demand. Because fossil fuels still account for 80% of the global energy mix, energy consumption is inextricably linked to greenhouse gas emissions and thus climate change.

Consequently, the survey reveals that 42.75% strongly agree with giving up economic growth to prevent further abnormal climate changes. Although there is another 21.54% that agree with it, 22% remain neutral, and 6.99% disapprove.

Whatever the heat wave causes and effects are, humans must take action to save the planet from significant environmental issues. Finally, the survey on Europe’s heatwave and climate change reveals that 41.72% believe that individual efforts are the most effective in preventing rapid climate change. Followed by the government (20.63%), internal organizations (10.49%), and environmental groups (7.63%). As a final point, 18.84% believe it is a collaborative effort.

Also Read: Over 70% Are Aware of Global Policies to Reduce Climate Change