Global warming started as a buzzword to get people to care about the planet, but there is no hiding from the fact that Earth is getting hotter every year. According to climate scientists, the planet has been getting 0.14°F (0.08°C) hotter every decade since 1880, with the rate doubling to 0.32°F (0.18°C) in the last 40 years. This warming trend affects the entire planet, but some parts of the world are getting warmer than others.
The urban heat island effect means cities – especially ones filled with densely packed buildings – tend to develop much higher temperatures. On average, cities can be up to 22°F hotter than less-developed areas, with homes that don’t have air conditioning often even hotter. This creates a dangerous environment that can, in some circumstances, be fatal. Installing (...)
