Extreme heat can impact mental health, as many Americans recently dealt with the challenging to record-breaking temperatures.
Since July, the US has experienced a hotter weather outlook due to heat dome and rising temperatures. The increased heat and dry conditions also help fan raging wildfires in California.
Summer heatwaves also became more challenging due to frequent intense heat. In the US, at least 600,000 homeless are believed to be at risk of the scorching heat. In addition, people with no AC are at risk of heat-related health stress, including older adults, outdoor workers and children.
The high temperatures can likely cause heat-related health risks and impact an individual's mental health. Here are the potential impacts of scorching heat on mental well-being.
Becoming more stressed
Hot summer. The rising temperatures can affect people's mental health and bring heat-related health risks in the US. Recently, the country experienced record-breaking heat aggravated by climate change.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of prolonged exposure to heat that can affect people's behavior.
Reports showed that people could become more stressed during the heat. The rising temperatures can cause worry about the weather and possible health impacts.
In addition, the heat could also make you angry, impulsive, anxious or aggressive. Mood swings are also likely.
Because the heat could be challenging, people may suffer from a lack of concentration. Sweating due to heat can become uncomfortable.
Pets and animals are also at risk of health concerns and uncomfortable feeling during heatwaves.
Lacking nutrients and sleeping problem
There are times that people can impact people's health. WHO noted that the heat could increase the possibility of different diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion will happen during high temperatures. People with tired or grumpy feelings could make them stressed or distressed. Sleeping difficulty could be likely.
Furthermore, the heat can limit people's outdoor activities or exercise to prevent prolonged exposure to heat.
Addressing the problem of heatwaves
The growing concerns of heatwaves have been alarming, especially El Nino and climate change can unleash deadly heat. July was recently recorded as the hottest month, noting the increasing temperatures.
Meanwhile, climate change can rapidly intensify heatwaves, wildfires and severe drought conditions. Human-induced climate change can influence the weather conditions, causing less rainfall and more heat concerns.
The frequency of heatwaves and wildfires can damage properties and lives. Reducing greenhouse gasses will mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.
In California, a recent report showed that $42 Million in funding will initiate projects in planting trees and creating green spaces in the San Francisco Bay Area. The initiative can conserve vital biodiversity in California and create more essential habitats for wildlife.
In addition, the massive planting of trees is essential in urban areas to mitigate the impacts of pollution and reduce the effects of intense heat waves.
Reports showed that trees offer relaxation and reduce mental health problems for many people due to the easing effects of green spaces.
Related Article: Over $42 Million California Funding to Help Fight Climate Change by Planting Trees, Green Spaces
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