2024 -- The Hottest Year on Record?
The year 2024 has been marked by an extraordinary and unprecedented rise in global temperatures, making it potentially the hottest year ever recorded. The years 2023 and 2020 are both tied to the current hottest years on record, but 2024 is on track to surpass this record. Escalation in heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and record-breaking temperatures around the world has raised serious concerns about the state of our climate. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that have made 2024 a year of extreme heat.
Heatwaves: A Defining Feature of 2024
From North America to Europe, Asia to Australia, heatwaves have been one of the defining features of 2024. Here are a few examples of the most extreme heat events:
North America: Parts of the United States experienced their hottest summer on record, with some regions reaching temperatures above 50°C (122°F). Cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Houston saw prolonged periods of extreme heat, leading to power outages and health emergencies.
Europe: Southern Europe endured one of its most intense heatwaves, with temperatures in countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain reaching up to 48°C (118°F). These extreme conditions triggered widespread wildfires and health crises, disrupting daily life and tourism.
Asia: In India and Southeast Asia, heatwaves arrived earlier than usual, with temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F) in several regions. These prolonged heat periods put immense pressure on water resources, agriculture, and energy supplies.
Australia: Australia experienced one of its hottest winters, with temperatures in some areas reaching summer-like highs. The unusual heat has had severe implications for the country's wildlife and ecosystems.
A rise in heat-related injuries and death
In 2023, more than 2,300 people died in the U.S. due to excessive heat, the highest number in 45 years. With the record-breaking temperatures and long stretches of extreme heat in the summer 2024, it is expected that 2024 will see an even larger number. Heat-related ER visits also rose in 2023, with a total of 119,605 and 92% of those occurring between May and September. With models indicating additional days of extreme heat each year going forward (up to 54 more days per year of extreme heat by 2050), we can expect these numbers to continue to rise unless we do a better job of protecting the most vulnerable from the heat.
A renewable energy-powered cooling solution
Here at SolarXWorks, we believe that solutions are needed to help people mange extreme heat events. A lot of peoples’ jobs require them to be outdoors. Some people don’t have access to air conditioning or can’t afford it. Some people want to attend outdoor events or gatherings and are exposed to warm temperatures.
That is why we created the KulSun solar people cooling solution. KulSun is a all-encompassing, portable cooling shelter that provides air conditioned relief from the heat all while running on 100% renewable solar power. A first of its kind solution, KulSun can be easily transported and setup at your job site, community gathering area, or event space and begin generating a climate controlled space in just minutes.
Each KulSun comes with everything needed to produce your cooling shelter: our proprietary cooling unit, the custom-designed pop up tent, solar panels, and all necessary cabling.
We that the KulSun can help make future extreme heat events more tolerable, help reduce heat-related illnesses, and improve safety. We are currently accepting orders for delivery before summer 2025. For more information check out our website and feel free to contact us if you would prefer to chat directly!
About SolarXWorks
SolarX|Works is an innovative company focused on leveraging solar technology to address global challenges like extreme heat, food preservation, and sustainable refrigeration. They offer applied solar solutions such as the KulSun solar people cooling system, xCOLD refrigeration technology, and SolarXOS power management, providing off-grid, renewable energy-powered solutions for a variety of use cases. Their aim is to create practical, sustainable solutions to help reduce carbon footprints, provide energy to areas without access to energy, and improve efficiency in industries facing climate challenges. www.solarxworks.com