MEXICO CITY (AFP) – Over the past three months, a very hot spell in Mexico has killed 48 people and caused health problems for another 950. However, the impact of the extreme weather on the population goes far beyond that, causing many illnesses and increasing the risk of further deaths.
President’s Pollution Fears
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said he fears high temperatures and no wind are compounding pollution in Mexico City. The still air and heat are creating poor air quality, which means it is harder to breathe, and more likely that people will suffer health complications.
Scientific Warnings And Record Temperatures
Researchers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico have cautioned that heat records will shatter in the next 14 days. And this could be the hottest year ever logged. Yesterday alone, temperatures reached a record high for Mexico, soaring to 49C.
Public Health Impact
Rising temperatures pose an enormous threat to public health. With nearly one thousand people already suffering ill health as a result of the heat.We must take urgent action to alleviate these conditions associated with extreme weather events.
Government Reaction
The government can expect mounting calls for measures addressing immediate and long-term effects caused by this wave of warmth sweeping across Mexico. These should involve better-equipping infrastructure against extremes in temperature, offering support packages targeted towards those affected by such scorching conditions, and reducing pollution levels within major cities like Mexico City, among other things.
Imperative To Have Sustainable Solutions
More frequent and severe heatwaves due to climate change require sustainable solutions that safeguard public health alongside environmental conservation efforts worldwide. Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar power, improving city planning by incorporating parks into urban areas, thereby enhancing natural cooling systems, promoting energy-saving appliances, etc., are necessary steps towards mitigating negative impacts associated with rising mercury levels.
Beacon For Climate Change
The current heatwave in Mexico is a clear sign that global warming is a real problem. When the temperature reaches its peak. And people’s health is negatively affected, communities need to do something about it both locally .And globally by responding to extreme climate change consequences.
