PHOENIX — As summer draws near, so do the dangers of wildfires, extreme heat, and monsoon flooding.
It’s that time of year when we’re bracing for the hot summer months, seeing more and more 110+ degree days.
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“We’re the third fastest warming city in the nation here in Tucson, and Phoenix is fourth,” said University of Arizona professor, Dr. Joellen Russell. “Not a list we like to be on the top of.”
Dr. Russell says extreme heat and weather events like wildfires and flooding are predicted to get worse.
“As we increase the amount of carbon dioxide pollution in the atmosphere, we have about the same amount of sun coming in from the sun, but less is able to radiate back out,” Russell said. “So, we keep warming, because the CO2, the carbon dioxide keeps redistributing it and not letting it escape.”
Dr. Russell said it’s basically building up in a hotter ocean and in a warmer atmosphere.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center already predicts above-average temperatures for most of the Continental U.S. and Alaska now through June.
“We also have to be worried about monsoon weather,” Russell said.
Russell is also part of a nonpartisan group of climate scientists called Science Moms, working to raise awareness about these extreme weather events, and how they impact kids.
“We’re worried about what’s happening, because we’re all in the business of predicting what’s going to happen next,” she said.
The group recently released two ads explaining how climate change is destroying beloved places.
“It specifically shows us families at their favorite campgrounds… their favorite summer swimming hole and what it looks like now,” said Russell. “Climate change is already hurting our kids, but we want to make sure everybody understands that we have the power to protect their future.
So, they’re challenging others to swap when they can.
“Swap from carbon polluting to non-carbon polluting,” she said.
Dr. Russell wants families to have the tools they need, to avoid potential dangers associated with wildfires, extreme heat and flooding.
“Make sure you plan ahead on that car trip,” she said. “You don’t want to have kids on the side of the road in 100-degree heat without water and shade in the car."
But also, in the long term. She says it’s important to do your part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and conserve energy, by doing things like buying energy efficient products for your home, reducing, reusing and recycling and using water efficiently.
“Concrete ways that not just help us now but help our potential future grandbabies too,” said Russell.
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