The Naming of Heat Waves: Raising Awareness and Taking Action

Talk about the dog days of summer. A heat wave called Cerberus, named after a mythological multi-headed dog-monster, has parts of Europe in its jaws this week.

Heat Waves: Giving Them a Name

When did we start naming heat waves like we do hurricanes? Well, the practice isn’t widespread yet. However, the proMETEO Sevilla Project based in Seville, Spain — in collaboration with the Washington-based Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center of the Atlantic Council nonprofit — started naming heat waves just last summer. This pilot program believes that naming and ranking heat waves will raise public awareness of their danger. After all, extreme heat takes the lives of up to half a million people worldwide each year.

A Call for Action

The project also hopes that by assigning names to heat waves, local officials will be prompted to implement necessary interventions to minimize the risks. Simultaneously, individuals will become more aware of the dangers and take steps to protect themselves.

Seville: Leading the Way

In 2020, Seville experienced a scorching heat wave dubbed “Zoe,” which became the first named extreme heat wave. Temperatures soaring to 112 degrees Fahrenheit pushed Seville to pioneer the system of naming and classifying heat waves. Following in Seville’s footsteps, Athens in Greece is also testing a similar program with the project.

The European Heat Wave: Cerberus

Now, as headlines scream about the recent European heat wave, why is it called “Cerberus”?

Cerberus: The Scorching Weather System

In Greek mythology, Cerberus, the hound of Hades, was the fearsome creature guarding the gates of the underworld. With its fiery eyes and multiple heads, this monstrous being embodies the intense heat and relentless nature of its domain. Hades, often equated to a hellish realm, is not to be confused with the Christian concept of “Hell.” Nevertheless, the phrase “hot as Hades” has become synonymous with extreme temperatures.

It seems only fitting, then, to christen a weather system in Mediterranean Europe with the name Cerberus, as it is expected to bring scorching temperatures of up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday. As countries across Europe brace themselves for this heatwave, emergency measures, alert systems, and adjustments to work schedules are being implemented. Athens and other Greek cities have altered their working hours to avoid the peak of midday heat, while air-conditioned spaces have been made available to the public.

But Europe is not the only continent feeling the burn. The United States is also preparing for blistering temperatures over the weekend. Central and Southern California residents have been warned by the National Weather Service to expect the hottest weather yet, with inland desert areas potentially reaching a staggering 120 degrees Fahrenheit during daylight hours. Meanwhile, Phoenix has endured 14 consecutive days of temperatures surpassing 110 degrees.

As this relentless heatwave shows no signs of relenting, it is crucial for everyone to adapt and protect themselves from future waves of scorching weather.

• Why you, and your wallet, must get used to heat waves

Climate Change Alert: A 66% Likelihood of Hitting a Critical Global Temperature Threshold in the Near Future

Recent studies have unveiled a distressing revelation – there is a 66% chance that our planet will reach a crucial climate milestone within the next five years. As the world grapples with the escalating threats posed by climate change, this stark statistic serves as a wake-up call for immediate action.

Impending Climate Crisis

Scientists and experts have long warned about the impending consequences of unchecked global warming. Now, empirical evidence supports their grave concerns. Based on rigorous analysis and predictive models, it has been determined that our planet is perilously close to hitting a significant climate marker.

A Race Against Time

The urgency to address climate change has never been more paramount. With a two-thirds probability of reaching this alarming milestone in just half a decade, we are facing a race against time. Immediate action is required to mitigate the adverse effects of global warming and safeguard our planet for future generations.

Protecting Our Precious Earth

The implications of crossing this critical climate threshold are profound and far-reaching. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the loss of vulnerable ecosystems are just some of the devastating consequences we can expect if swift and resolute measures are not taken.

Collaborative Solutions Needed

Addressing climate change requires a collective effort from governments, industries, and individuals alike. It necessitates a paradigm shift in how we source and consume energy, as well as a commitment to sustainable practices. Only through international collaboration and cooperation can we hope to reverse the current trajectory and secure a brighter future for our planet.

Let this warning serve as a call to action. We must unite in our resolve to combat climate change and strive for a sustainable future. The time to act is now.