The long-standing, all-time national heat record for Canada was smashed on June 27, 2021 when the temperature reached 46.6°C (116°F) in Lytton, BC. The previous record of 44.4°C was set in July 1941.
Climate scientists, including Western University’s Gordon McBean, have projected that the heatwave that previously occurred once every two decades will occur every three to five years by 2050.
McBean, Western geography and environment professor emeritus, is available to media for comment.
“Heatwaves will occur more often in the future as climate warming increases, due to increased greenhouse gas emissions,” said McBean. “The impacts on humans and ecosystems will be greater than ever due to climate action failure. We’re not reducing emissions fast enough and we’re not building climate resilient communities.”
To read the latest on building climate resilient communities, please visit https://news.westernu.ca/2021/06/climate-resilience/
McBean is a long-standing contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an organization that was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore in 2007.
Commentary reflects the perspective and scholarly interest of Western faculty members and is not an articulation of official university policy on issues being addressed.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Renaud, Senior Media Relations Officer, 519-661-2111, ext. 85165, 519-520-7281 (mobile), jrenaud9@uwo.ca
ABOUT WESTERN
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
Tags
