Another Record-Breaking Year for Heat – What Can We Do?

The news has been full of stories about 2024 being the hottest year on record. But is this really surprising? Didn’t we hear the same thing about 2023? This isn’t new. Every year, temperatures keep rising, and the impacts of climate change become clearer. The real question is: Can we, as individuals, make a difference?

Kuwait has always been a hot, dry desert climate. However, studies show that while it was always warm, it wasn’t as extreme or prolonged as it is now. What changed? Climate change.

After the industrial revolution and the discovery of oil, emissions increased dramatically. This led to ozone depletion and climate changes that brought longer, hotter summers and shorter, milder winters.

Take winter, for example. In Kuwait, winter seems to arrive later every year. In 2024, I didn’t start wearing proper winter clothes until late November or early December. But the year before, I needed them by early November. At the same time, summers are setting new temperature records every year, and the heat lasts longer than ever.

In a country like Kuwait, air conditioning is essential to survive the extreme heat. But the heavy reliance on AC has its downsides. According to the UN, an estimated 5.6 billion air conditioning units will be in use by 2050. The problem isn’t just the AC itself but the energy sources powering it. Most AC systems run on non-renewable energy, which releases emissions and contributes to climate change. If we don’t shift to renewable energy, rising temperatures will continue to increase demand for AC, creating a vicious cycle.

As individuals, our actions matter, but they can only go so far. The main challenge is systemic. Without:

• Clear government plans to switch to renewable energy,
• Strict regulations for factories producing high emissions,

We’ll keep seeing rising temperatures and record-breaking summers. That said, we can still take steps to help. We can use renewable energy in our homes, design more energy-efficient spaces, and raise awareness. These actions won’t solve the problem alone, but they show that we care and can push for larger changes.

While the situation may seem tough, there is hope. If individuals, governments, and industries work together, we can tackle this issue. We need to:

• Support stronger environmental policies,
• Invest in renewable energy, and use more efficient technologies.

Change is possible. By working together and demanding action, we can move toward a future where we’re not just breaking heat records but breaking the cycle of climate change. It’s a tough journey, but it’s one we can take with determination and optimism.