A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world

July marked a grim milestone as it became the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous United States. This record-breaking heat surpassed a previous high set during the Dust Bowl era, signaling a significant step in the planet's warming trajectory. The extreme temperatures are part of a larger pattern of escalating global heat and a rise in dangerous weather phenomena.

Climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina spoke with correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti about the intensifying climate crisis. They explained how ongoing changes in Earth's climate are directly contributing to an increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events. These events include devastating heat waves, widespread wildfires, and more powerful hurricanes.

The discussion highlighted the interconnectedness of climate change and extreme weather, emphasizing that the likelihood of such events occurring is growing. The conversation underscored the urgent need to address the root causes of climate change to mitigate its increasingly severe impacts on a global scale.