Story perspectives

Human-Driven Heatwaves Intensify, Lengthen, Threaten Health

8/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

A 2003 Hazards overview reports heat-wave hazards in Canada threaten health and infrastructure.
Researchers report heat waves have become more intense, more frequent and longer lasting in the 21st century.
Anthropogenic forcing has raised risk of larger, slower-moving, longer-traveling contiguous heatwaves.
Western European summer heat-wave length has doubled since 1880.
Higher daily average temperatures are linked to increased elderly mortality and U.S. deaths from heat, cold and heat waves.

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Story summary

A 2003 Hazards overview reports heat-wave hazards in Canada threaten health and infrastructure.
Researchers report heat waves have become more intense, more frequent and longer lasting in the 21st century.
Anthropogenic forcing has raised risk of larger, slower-moving, longer-traveling contiguous heatwaves.
Western European summer heat-wave length has doubled since 1880.
Higher daily average temperatures are linked to increased elderly mortality and U.S. deaths from heat, cold and heat waves.