“Bay Area Braces for First Heat Wave of the Year: How Climate Change is Impacting Architecture and Health”
The San Francisco Bay Area is bracing for its first heat wave of the year, with temperatures expected to soar to 100 degrees in the coming weeks. This alarming forecast comes as a result of rising global temperatures, a trend that has been exacerbated by climate change. The Bay Area, known for its mild summers with temperatures rarely exceeding 85 degrees Fahrenheit, is now facing the harsh reality of increasingly hot summers.
According to the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment Report for the San Francisco Bay Area Region, the average annual maximum temperature in the region has increased by 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit between 1950 and 2005. Additionally, the once reliable coastal fog, which provided relief from the summer heat, is now less frequent than before.
The unique geography of the Bay Area creates microclimates in the surrounding cities, with high pressure systems leading to increased temperatures. Norman Miller, a professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, explains that these pressure systems, coupled with climate change, are causing more frequent and intense heat waves in the region.
The historic architecture of San Francisco, dating back to the late 1700s, was designed for cooler climates and lacks modern cooling systems. As a result, the city has the lowest rate of air conditioning ownership in the country, with only 34 percent of households having central air and 11 percent having room air-conditioning.
The reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems poses a significant challenge, as these systems contribute to climate change through the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Dr. Renee Obringer, an assistant professor of energy and mineral engineering, warns that as temperatures continue to rise, the demand for air conditioning will increase, putting further strain on the already fossil fuel-dependent energy grid.
The consequences of inadequate cooling systems are dire, particularly for economically vulnerable populations, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The lack of access to cooling systems during extreme heat events can lead to increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even deaths.
As temperatures continue to rise and wildfires become more frequent, the Bay Area is facing a new reality of extreme heat and poor air quality. Residents like Mary Burns, who has lived in San Mateo for nearly 40 years, are already feeling the impact of these changes. With no end in sight to the rising temperatures, the need for sustainable solutions to combat climate change and adapt to the new normal is more urgent than ever.