Climate expert Prof Ed Hawkins from the University of Reading has addressed and refuted 13 major myths surrounding extreme heatwaves, as many people still struggle to accept humanity's role in global climate challenges.
Myths and Scientific Facts
One myth suggests that today's bearable temperatures are the new normal.
In reality, high temperatures today are likely to seem cool compared to the future, as extremes are changing faster than global average increases.
Another myth claims scientific disagreement on human impact.
Scientists are certain that global warming is caused by human activities, primarily burning fossil fuels like gas, oil, and coal.
The idea that complexity leaves room for doubt is false.
The basic physics and chemistry linking carbon dioxide emissions to global warming have been well-established for more than 80 years.
Some attribute heatwaves solely to natural cycles like El Niño. While natural fluctuations exist, current heatwaves are severely amplified because of an already warmer world.
The myth that Earth's orbit moving closer to the sun causes warming is incorrect.
Long-term orbital changes were actually pushing Earth onto a slightly cooler path before the Industrial Revolution accelerated warming through fossil fuels.
Comparing today's heatwaves to the 1976 UK heatwave is misleading.
Recent heatwaves have shattered records across wider geographic areas, and comparable weather patterns today are significantly hotter and more dangerous.
The inability to link extreme events to climate change is a myth.
Modern attribution studies consistently show that human activities are making extreme weather events like heatwaves notably hotter and more intense.
Short human records do not fail to show trends.
Temperature and ice-core records prove the world is hotter than it has been in 125,000 years, with CO2 levels higher than anything seen in hundreds of thousands of years.
Heatwaves are not positive images for everyone to enjoy. Extreme heat poses severe health risks to vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, patients, and outdoor workers.
The belief that UK infrastructure can handle heat like hotter countries is false.
British homes and offices were built to retain warmth, lacking widespread air conditioning and shutters found in warmer climates.
Heat warnings are not unnecessary government overreach.
Warning systems save lives by prompting people to look after the vulnerable, drink water, and keep homes cool, lowering excess deaths since 2003.
The myth that CO2 increases agricultural yields as plant food is debunked. Real-world harvests are suffering globally due to intense dry periods, heatwaves, and altered rainfall patterns.
Finally, it is not too late for humans to act.
Because human actions caused the problem, achieving global net zero emissions can stabilize the climate and prevent heatwaves from getting worse.
