36 - Heatwaves
A heat wave is a meteorological phenomenon of abnormally high air temperatures, day and night, lasting from a few days to a few weeks, over a relatively large area.
Earth from Space
The series of heatwaves we are currently experiencing in western Europe is a clear sign of human-induced global warming. ESA’s Clement Albergel explains how we monitor these events using satellites such as the Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission and puts them in the context of the long-term climate data record generated via ESA’s Climate Change Initiative.
Credits :© European Space Agency - ESA
1Cause
3Consequences
Heat waves can be devastating, especially for the elderly.
Les catastrophes climatiques peuvent exacerber les inégalités préexistantes en accentuant les disparités économiques, sociales et environnementales entre les différentes populations. Les politiques de gestion des risques, d'adaptation et d'atténuation doivent tenir compte de ces inégalités pour promouvoir une résilience plus équitable.
Sources : AR6 WG2 B.2.5 p25 (p13)
1Other possible consequence
Heatwaves can cause droughts. They often go together.