Short Wave Oof! 2020: A Hot Year For The Record Books
Dec 22, 2020
2020 was nearly the hottest year on record, with alarming implications for our planet. Rising temperatures caused longer heat waves, fierce wildfires, and powerful hurricanes. The podcast discusses severe climate consequences, from Arctic ice melt to health impacts in cities like Phoenix. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of warmer oceans and extreme weather, urging proactive responses. As climate disasters become more frequent, there's a glimmer of hope that public perception and policy may shift towards meaningful action.
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2020's Record Heat
- 2020 was a hot year, nearly tying with 2016 for the hottest on record.
- This continued a trend of the hottest five years ever recorded.
Phoenix Heatwave
- Phoenix experienced 145 days over 100 degrees, breaking records, with 15 days exceeding 115.
- Even seasoned Phoenix meteorologist Marvin Percha was surprised, noting the persistent warmth.
Nighttime Temperatures
- Higher nighttime temperatures exacerbated urban heat, preventing cities from cooling down.
- This led to a record number of heat-related deaths in Phoenix, highlighting heat's danger.