A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
TL;DR
- July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States.
- This record broke one set during the Dust Bowl.
- Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
- Examples of extreme weather events include heat waves, wildfires, and hurricanes.