Extreme Heat and Climate Change (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Aug. 7, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12733 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Jonathan D. Haskett |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Scientific consensus supports a causal relationship between
increasing global temperatures and the incidence of extreme
heat. Extreme heat can have a range of serious
consequences, with record-breaking temperatures and
heatwaves occurring in recent years. For example, global
temperature datasets from the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) and National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show that 2023 was
the warmest year, and that 2014-2023 was the warmest
decade, on record since 1880 (Figure 1). In addition, the
United States experienced record-breaking heatwaves in
2021 and 2023. These heatwaves brought extreme
temperatures and life-threatening conditions in some areas.
Historical studies of the United States have found increases
in heatwaves regionally during the period 1981-2015 and
for the continental United States (CONUS) during the
period 1981-2018.
This In Focus describes some of the health, infrastructure,
and productivity impacts of extreme heat; the relationship
between extreme heat and human-caused climate change;
and related policy considerations. Although the terms
extreme heat or heatwave lack a consensus definition,
studies have characterized extreme heat events by their
frequency, intensity, and duration.
