Thousands of people die from extreme heat-related causes each year, and deadly heat waves are expected to become more frequent in the future. Some have suggested a new approach to the problem: giving heat waves names. They say naming heat waves, similar to the way hurricanes are named, would draw more attention to these dangerous weather events, potentially saving lives. Others argue that too many named weather events could become tiresome, and people may tune them out. Listen to hear experts discuss how to raise awareness of heat waves and then debate: Should heat waves be named like hurricanes?
Story Length: 1:40
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August 23, 2021
4:00
The U.N. released a comprehensive report on climate change that was an urgent call to action. It cited overwhelming scientific evidence that human activities are causing Earth to warm at an alarming rate, and said recent extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heat waves are directly linked to climate change. Some effects of climate change are no longer reversible, according to the report, but with quick action, the most destructive changes to the planet might still be avoided. Listen to hear more about the report’s dire findings and how cooperation between nations could help address the urgent problem of climate change.
Read MoreOctober 16, 2019
5:35
Low-income urban neighborhoods are often hotter than wealthier neighborhoods in the same city. This is problematic, especially during heat waves, when residents’ health and even their lives could be at risk. One of the reasons poorer areas get hotter is because they tend to have fewer trees. Listen to learn how trees keep communities cool and why they are more prevalent in some neighborhoods than others.
Read MoreSeptember 18, 2017
3:56
Hurricane Harvey was enormous and Hurricane Irma had record high winds of 185 miles per hour. This is very unusual, but not unprecedented. What’s unusual is that they both hit land. Global warming creates more heat, and the more heat you have, the bigger the storms. Listen to hear about the relationship between big storms and climate change.
Read MoreJune 18, 2014
4:59
Studies show that people react differently to male and female named storms. There is more preparation and fear of storms with male names, such as Victor, versus a storm named Christina. As a result, there are serious implications of this unconscious gender bias. Listen to this audio story to learn more.
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