Climate activists have called on Capitol Hill lawmakers to address the climate crisis, citing the hottest summer temperatures in Nevada’s history. Figures provided by the National Centers for Environmental Education show that August broke all previous heat records in the Silver State, with the majority of Nevada experiencing temperatures 5 to 7 degrees higher than normal.
Historic Heat Waves Grip the Silver State
The state also hit all-time highs for daytime maximum and nighttime minimum temperatures. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates that Nevada was surpassed in average summer warmth by only Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
Severe Drought Feeds the Hawk Fire
The extreme heat coincided with increasingly dry conditions across large swaths of the Southwest. Throughout the summer, blazes such as the Hawk Fire have consumed roughly 135,000-150,000 acres across Nevada.
Activists Demand Federal Action on Clean Energy
In response to the extreme weather, national environmental groups under the Climate Action Campaign are urging federal legislators to address the root causes of rising temperatures. Margie Alt, director of the campaign’s “Climate Summer: Too Hot to Ignore” initiative, said leaders need to focus on solutions.
The Economic and Health Case for the Grid
“We need to make sure we are transitioning to a clean energy economy that is better for our air, it is better for our economy, it is better for our health, and we know exactly how to get more clean energy on the grid,” Alt said.
Ninety Rallies Amplify the Urgent Message
Volunteers held more than 90 rallies in recent months. Participants called on state governors and federal legislators to address the rising heat, worsening storms, and dangerous pollution.
“A lot of people out there are talking about climate change,” Alt emphasized. “Unfortunately, we’re not hearing as much from our politicians as we wish we were, and we can’t solve a problem that we don’t talk about.”
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