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Study Says Florida Heat Will Be ‘Life-Threatening’ by 2036

Florida Sustainability News
by Eben Diskin Jul 17, 2019

Florida is famous as a warm destination for those trying to escape frigid climates, but soon, Floridians might be the ones fleeing to colder temperatures for safety reasons. According to a new study from the Union of Concerned Scientists, titled “Killer Heat in the United States,” temperatures in Florida will rise to life-threatening levels by 2036. The study stated that without any action to combat the rise of temperatures due to heat-trapping emissions, Central Florida will experience 105 days with a heat index of over 100 degrees between 2036 an 2065.

“Over the last 30 years,” the study said, “on average, exposure to extreme heat was the top cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. If we wish to spare people in the United States and around the world the mortal dangers of extreme and relentless heat, there is little time to do so and little room for half measures. We need to employ our most ambitious actions to prevent the rise of extreme heat.”

Extreme heat is linked to a number of health issues, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps, sunburns, and heat rashes. According to the CDC, more than 600 people in the US die every year of extreme heat.

To prevent temperatures from rising to extreme levels, the study suggested that the government rapidly take action to reduce carbon-emitting power sources.

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