How Adrian Rubin Sees Global Warming Affects New Orleans

According to NASA's findings, there are currently many statistics that confirm the temperature-caused changes we are experiencing in the environment. The following are some of the examples:

• Arctic ice minimum is reduced by 13.2 percent every decade.
• Sea level rises 3.2 millimeters per year.
• Ice sheets are reduced by 413 gigatons annually.

Given the aforementioned statistics, one must question, “what common denominator connects all those factors?” The short answer is global warming. For those unfamiliar, global warming represents a gradual change in the temperature levels of the atmosphere. The reason why is the so-called "greenhouse" effect or an increased emission of pollutants like carbon dioxide which make it more difficult for heat energy to escape the atmosphere, thus slowly raising global temperatures.

Everyday Effects on Life

Although global warming is made known by the consequences it causes to the ice and sea levels, that is not the only area of concern. On the contrary, almost every city around the globe is affected. The reason why the public tends to focus on the ice and water-based changes is due to their devastating ability to destroy regions. Just consider how much damage was caused to New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Well, the consequences of global warming are affecting cities like New Orleans just as much. Although they are not causing destruction rapidly, they are slowly altering living conditions and have dramatically increased the chances of a new hurricane as damaging as Katrina. The fact that New Orleans is located in the heart of the Gulf Coast does not help the matter. For instance, as much as 70 percent of all coastal salt marshes in this city could be made unavailable by the rising sea levels. Given such worrisome consequences, what should the population of this city expect to see in the near future?

Dangers of Bad Weather Conditions

When one thinks about global warming, they may relate the term to constant heat and increased average temperatures. And rightly so. After all, one of the most obvious consequences revolves around hotter seasons. The problem, however, is the fact that high temperatures facilitate natural disasters. For example, a climate that is warm gives birth to an atmosphere that retains more water. Consequently, rainfall increases as that water must come down in a natural cycle.

Since people in New Orleans saw the terrifying consequences of water first hand, they know what increased rainfall means. It could potentially lead to another disaster the likes of which parallel the notorious Hurricane Katrina. Sadly, it is important to note that these changes are already taking place. In fact, the average expenditure on natural disasters in the U.S. increased from $5.2 to $10.8 billion within the last two decades.

Potential Threat of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Even though flooding stands as the most concerning consequence of global warming, there are many other threats. One of them pertains to mosquito-borne disease. According to the research, mosquitos' transmission rates are improved by higher temperatures. Consequently, their geographic ranges are also increased. Meaning, the ones carrying diseases such as Malaria, yellow fever, or other conditions could reach New Orleans easier.

Unstoppable Rise in Temperatures

At some point, discussing the ever-growing temperatures is necessary. In June of 2018, New Orleans experienced many record-breaking temperatures that rarely went below a minimum of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When compared to the same month of 1968, the average temperatures were usually lower by 3-6 degrees. Not to mention that the wind speeds increased by 15-20 miles per hour during that same time frame. Thus, it is impossible to argue the fact that New Orleans is facing the effects of global warming.

The problem, however, is not just the spike in temperatures by themselves. According to a climate change expert, Adrian Rubin, the problem is the way that people react to the heat. Human bodies use sweating to regulate internal warmth. Sometimes, too much sweating may push one's system into overdrive and cause it to shut down. When that is further mixed with high humidity levels, which is what characterizes New Orleans, the condition worsens. Thus, the risk of heat strokes, dehydration, kidney problems, and many other issues goes up.

How can one protect themselves from global warming?

Given what Adrian Rubin and many other experts believe happens to the human body in extreme heat, one must learn how to protect themselves.

- Skin

Skin is the largest organ in the body. It is also exposed to more threats due to its direct contact with the outside world. For those living in cities like New Orleans, making sure that sunburns are avoided is necessary. This also reduces the risk of certain cancers related to the increasing exposure to UV rays.

- Allergies

Warm temperatures stimulate the production of countless allergens like pollen. For those who are sensitive to such particles, having allergy medicine is mandatory. Ultimately, Adrian Rubin simply advises staying inside during the lunch hours and poor air quality days as that is the best way to avoid daily maximum temperatures.