Has it just been me, or have these past few days, well months, been hotter than usual? It’s like the heat’s been relentless. This year and last year, records of high temps were shattered across Mississippi and the rest of the Southern states. With temperatures going up as high as the mid 90s and topping off at 100 degrees late into September and October it may be the beginning of an epidemic occurring within Mother Nature. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel comfortable with this shift in weather. It’s not just me that it’s affecting, it’s also altering other lives, food crops, and different ecosystems. It’s like it’s been going on all year now. If you’re from the South, like I am, you know this heat is different. But lately Fall has started to feel like extended Summers, and Winter barley lasts. So, I’m trying to see what’s really going on.
People need to wake up and realize, Global warming is very real and is in full effect. It’s not just about a few hotter days here and there, it’s way bigger than that. It feels like our entire climate is going on a shift. This shift is not just affecting how we live but it’s also affecting what
we grow to live, the bills we have to pay, and ultimately how we have to survive. Most people would say, “Isn’t climate change just global drama?” I would tell them to think about the fact that tests have been proven and shows that Mississippi’s temperatures are rising faster than it ever has before. It is being backed up with real data and real consequences that we are dealing with.
First, we have to get to some of the causes of all of this. According to NASA and its Earth Observatory, 2023 was the hottest year ever on record. Ever. Just take a moment to let that sink in. Every month from June through December 2023 came in as the hottest month on record. July ranked as the hottest month ever recorded. We’ve seen the waves and intensive humidity across the globe that used to be rare, but it is now becoming something that we expect every year. And also, let’s not forget one main reality, our crops. The farmers and their families are going to be one of the first ones to feel the negative effect of climate change. It’s simple biology, when it’s hotter, plants tend to struggle, and farm animals die from heat stroke, which can become a financial burden with money steadily dripping from the pockets of local farmers and the mouths of consumers. According to a study from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), extreme temperatures are already reducing crop yields, and it’s going to get worse as Summers get longer and hotter.
It’s not just crops and livestock struggling though, humans feel this heat as well. Hotter days means the AC is on longer. In lower income housing areas, keeping cool 24/7 can be hard to do. Being hot and agitated in a house only leaves room for more stress induced situations and
turmoil. keeping cool within the house can be good for a family’s mentality and also their health. Not everyone can afford comfortable living while Mississippi’s power bills continue to rise. Studies from NOAA and the Department of Energy have warned us that rising temperatures within the past years have led to rising energy costs, a burden that falls disproportionately on minority communities. Also, The Environmental Protection Agency encourages residents to take steps to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses, which become more prevalent as temperatures continue to rise. Staying hydrated, seeking shaded areas, and paying attention to cooling stations in the community are all essential for getting through these unusually warm “Fall” months.
Look, it’s hot, but it’s only going to get hotter unless we do some serious changes. It’s not just a problem we can wait and pass on, it’s happening now. Global warming is trying to put its stamp on the world, and we have to do what it takes to turn down the heat. With the rising temps, staying informed and prepared is your best bet. So, the next time when someone asks you, “Is it hotter to you, or is it just me?” you’ll know the answer. Let’s act now and change to keep the future cool and calmer so the world won’t get any warmer.
