Magali Zoghaib | Staff Writer
It’s official: 2024 will most probably outrank 2023 as the hottest year since record-keeping began in 1850.
There is a 61% chance that 2024 will be the warmest year on record, and a 100% chance that it will rank in the top five warmest years ever recorded, according to the NCEI’s Global Annual Temperature Rankings Outlook.
As temperatures reach record highs, this summer’s heatwave is transforming students’ daily routines into a mission for staying cool.
Marcos Nguyen, an international business student, explained how this year’s heatwave has limited his daily activities.
“I live right across the street, in the off campus apartments, and usually spend my free days playing basketball outside the FIU gym, but lately, the heat has made it impossible for me to even walk there, let alone play outside,” he shared. “”The intensity of the heat has caused me to spend almost all my time indoors either watching TV or doing homework and this has really impacted my social life.”
An extreme heat event, commonly referred to as “heatwave”, is a persistent period of abnormally hot days usually lasting more than two days.
The intensity, frequency and duration of temperature extremes, including heatwaves, have been noticed as the result of incremental rise in global temperatures.
NASA’s report, “Extreme Weather and Climate Change”, has highlighted the impact on extreme weather events worldwide as Earth’s climate evolves. These include unprecedented heat waves on land and at sea, heavy rainfall, severe floods, prolonged droughts, intense wildfires, and widespread hurricane-related flooding, all of which are becoming more frequent and intense.
It is also emphasized in the report that human activities since the Industrial Revolution, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have substantially increased greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.
This increase in gases such as carbon dioxide and methane acts like a blanket, trapping heat and leading to planetary warming.
As a result, temperatures in both the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans are rising, which disrupts the water cycle, shifts weather patterns, and accelerates the melting of land ice. Together, these effects worsen the severity and occurrence rate of extreme weather events.
Extended periods of extreme heat poses numerous health hazards. As stated by the World Health Organization, heat stress is the primary cause of fatalities related to weather conditions and can worsen pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health issues, and asthma.
To stay safe during heat waves on campus, it is important to stay hydrated by taking advantage of the water fountains available in nearly every building.
Dress in light, loose-fitting clothing to help stay cool, avoid going outside and consider using indoor basketball courts at the Wellness and Recreation Center to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Protect yourself from sunburn by applying sunscreen and wearing a hat when outdoors and seek refuge from the heat in air-conditioned spaces like the Green Library or Graham Center.
Being aware of these resources and taking precautions can help ensure a safe and comfortable experience on campus during extreme heat conditions.
“Coming from a warm background in Oman, I’m accustomed to the heat and have developed habits like wearing sunglasses outdoors and always carrying water with me. One piece of advice I can offer fellow students is to minimize sun exposure,” said Omar Sultan, a Global First Year student at FIU, in an interview with PantherNOW. “Despite living relatively close to campus, I often ask friends for a ride to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. This helps me stay comfortable and avoid the intensity of the heat, ensuring I minimize any health risks.”
FIU provides a range of resources and tips to support students on campus.
For transportation, FIU offers Freebee, an on-demand, door-to-door service accessible to the entire FIU community via the Freebee app.
Moreover, the Green Library extends its hours until 11 pm on weekdays, providing a cool and safe environment for students studying late into the night.
Additionally, the Student Health Clinic offers affordable medical care tailored to students, with convenient locations at both the Modesto Maidique and Biscayne Bay campuses.
“It would also benefit students who study outside of library hours if FIU included built-in fans on the swinging booths, providing additional comfort and support during their study sessions,” said Sultan.
These comprehensive services ensure that students have the necessary support to excel academically and maintain their health on campus.
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