“Bill Nye Warns Extreme Heat and Flooding are ‘The New Normal’ – What Can We Do About It?”
After a week of record-breaking extreme heat across the nation, science educator Bill Nye warned that the extreme weather events making headlines are just a preview of what’s to come in the future. Nye, speaking to “This Week” co-anchor Martha Raddatz, emphasized that the latest research indicates a continuous trend of increasing temperatures and more extreme weather events.
According to Nye, the current heatwave has put more than 100 million Americans in 27 states under heat alerts, with major cities like New York and Los Angeles feeling the impact. Extreme heat is known to be the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, as stated by the National Weather Service.
Research has shown that human-induced climate change has played a significant role in amplifying the intensity, frequency, and duration of extreme weather events like heatwaves. The federal government’s National Climate Assessment revealed that major U.S. cities are now experiencing double the number of heatwaves compared to the 1980s.
Nye stressed the importance of addressing climate change by starting conversations with friends, family, and policymakers. He highlighted the need for collective action and urged people to vote for leaders who prioritize climate change solutions.
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, a recent Quinnipiac poll found that only 4% of registered voters consider climate change the most pressing issue facing the country. Additionally, data from the Pew Research Center shows a growing divide between Democrats and Republicans on environmental issues.
While some Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have dismissed climate change as a hoax, Nye emphasized the need for a united effort to combat the crisis. He acknowledged the slow progress in convincing climate change skeptics and emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Environmental activist groups like the Sunrise Movement have been advocating for President Biden to declare a national climate emergency and take more aggressive action against climate change. However, Nye expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such a declaration, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation to address the issue.
In conclusion, Nye emphasized the importance of acknowledging human contributions to climate change and transitioning to sustainable energy sources. He called for global leadership in combating climate change and highlighted the need for collaboration on energy infrastructure and renewable energy development.
ABC News’ Kenton Gewecke and Dan Peck contributed to this comprehensive report on the urgent need for action on climate change.