Record heat: how to recognize the signs of climate change
Heatwaves, typical phenomena of the summer months, have become the subject of increasing attention, as they increasingly present with extreme and abnormal characteristics. Distinguishing a “normal” heatwave from one potentially influenced by climate change is essential to understand the transformations our planet is undergoing. Heatwaves related to climate change tend to occur more frequently and with greater intensity than those recorded in the past.
Analyzing historical temperature data, climatologists have found that extreme heat events that once occurred rarely now happen regularly.
This increase in frequency and duration is a significant indication of the influence of climate change. The use of predictive climate models is fundamental to understanding the role of global warming.
These models allow us to simulate temperature trends in the absence of human influences, comparing them with those currently recorded.
When a heatwave corresponds to scenarios predicted by global warming models, it can be more confidently attributed to the influence of climate change. 
The impact of climate change-related heatwaves on public health is also significant.
The combination of high temperatures and prolonged duration can lead to a higher number of health emergencies, deaths, and health problems, especially among vulnerable population groups.
Compared to normal heatwaves, those related to global warming tend to cause more devastating health effects. the general increase in global temperatures observed in recent decades represents a crucial reference context.
If a heatwave occurs within a period already marked by higher-than-average temperatures, it is likely part of a long-term warming trend, contributing to the body of evidence that climate change is altering our global climate system.
Analyzing historical temperature data, climatologists have found that extreme heat events that once occurred rarely now happen regularly.
This increase in frequency and duration is a significant indication of the influence of climate change. The use of predictive climate models is fundamental to understanding the role of global warming.
These models allow us to simulate temperature trends in the absence of human influences, comparing them with those currently recorded.
When a heatwave corresponds to scenarios predicted by global warming models, it can be more confidently attributed to the influence of climate change.
The impact of climate change-related heatwaves on public health is also significant.The combination of high temperatures and prolonged duration can lead to a higher number of health emergencies, deaths, and health problems, especially among vulnerable population groups.
Compared to normal heatwaves, those related to global warming tend to cause more devastating health effects. the general increase in global temperatures observed in recent decades represents a crucial reference context.
If a heatwave occurs within a period already marked by higher-than-average temperatures, it is likely part of a long-term warming trend, contributing to the body of evidence that climate change is altering our global climate system.
