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.
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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.
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