如今全球多地出現極端高溫，尤其是北半球在今夏面臨史無前例的熱浪侵襲。像西班牙已有超過1180人因高溫導致相關疾病或死亡，法國巴黎地標埃菲爾鐵塔甚至因鋼鐵膨脹而輕微變形，這些現象早已不再是單一事件，而是全球氣候變遷的明顯徵兆。中國河南更是在今夏迎來攝氏44度的極端高溫，挑戰1966年43度的歷史紀錄，甚至路面溫度飆升至攝氏70度，已遠遠超過人體或車輛所能承受的安全範圍。

這些高溫的根本原因來自於氣候變遷所引發的全球暖化。大量化石燃料燃燒所產生的溫室氣體積聚在大氣層中，使得地球熱能難以散去。原本該經由對流或輻射釋放的熱量被困在大氣中，導致整體氣溫不斷上升。再加上厄爾尼諾現象與城市熱島效應的疊加，使得特定地區的溫度突破以往的極限。森林減少、水資源匱乏、乾燥土地增加，也讓這種熱浪的影響變得更為持久與劇烈。

當面對如此高溫天氣，出門在外必須格外小心。首先是人體健康方面，在高溫環境下容易導致熱射病、中暑、脫水，甚至可能在短時間內引發休克。尤其是老年人、兒童、孕婦和患有慢性疾病的人，對於溫度變化的適應力較差，更容易成為高溫的受害者。因此，如果真的必須外出，建議選擇清晨或傍晚陽光較弱的時間段行動，避免在正午或午後高溫時段暴露在戶外。

其次是衣著與防護的選擇。出門應穿著淺色、寬鬆、透氣的衣物，並戴上遮陽帽、太陽眼鏡與攜帶陽傘，同時務必隨身攜帶水壺，每15至20分鐘補充一次水分，避免等口渴才喝水。若需要長時間行走或等待交通工具，盡可能選擇有遮蔽與通風的地點，避免直接曝曬於烈日之下。

開車族也必須特別警惕，因為高溫對車輛的影響是潛在且致命的。首先要檢查輪胎胎壓與橡膠老化情況，因為高溫會導致輪胎內壓升高，若有破損極易發生爆胎事故。此外，停車時切勿將打火機、電池、易燃物或電子設備留在車內，這些物品可能在車內溫度上升至攝氏60～80度時自燃，引發火災。同時，切勿將孩子或寵物單獨留在車內，哪怕只是幾分鐘，極端溫度會導致生命危險。

極端天氣正成為新常態，不僅高溫頻率變高，強度也在逐年升級。專家多次呼籲，人類社會必須加快對氣候變化的適應與應對步伐，包括城市綠化降溫設計、基礎設施耐熱強化、公眾衛生與災害預警系統的升級。否則未來將面臨更多因氣候引起的糧食危機、用電超載、水資源枯竭與健康災難。

極端高溫已不再只是天氣異常，而是氣候失衡下的警訊。每個人都必須學會與「熱」共處的生存之道，也更應該正視人類對地球環境造成的深遠影響。在這樣的夏季裡，保護好自己，更是保護社會的一環。

Extreme heat waves are emerging across many parts of the world, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, which is experiencing an unprecedented onslaught of high temperatures this summer. In Spain alone, over 1,180 people have reportedly died or suffered illness due to the heat. In Paris, France, even the iconic Eiffel Tower has undergone slight deformation due to the expansion of its steel structure—proof that these occurrences are no longer isolated incidents, but clear indicators of global climate change. In China’s Henan Province, temperatures have soared to an extreme 44°C this summer, challenging the historical record of 43°C set in 1966. Road surface temperatures have even reached up to 70°C, far exceeding what the human body or vehicles can safely withstand.

The root cause of these soaring temperatures lies in global warming, triggered by climate change. The mass burning of fossil fuels releases vast amounts of greenhouse gases, which accumulate in the Earth’s atmosphere and trap heat that would otherwise escape through convection or radiation. This leads to a continuous rise in overall global temperatures. The situation is further worsened by the El Niño phenomenon and urban heat island effects, pushing regional temperatures beyond historical limits. Deforestation, water scarcity, and increasing arid land only intensify the impact and duration of such heatwaves.

When facing such extreme heat, it's crucial to take extra precautions when going outdoors. From a health perspective, high temperatures significantly increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and even sudden collapse. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses are especially at risk, as they have reduced adaptability to temperature changes. If going out is unavoidable, it's advisable to do so in the early morning or late evening when sunlight is weaker, and to avoid being exposed during midday or afternoon heat peaks.

Appropriate clothing and sun protection are also essential. Light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing should be worn, along with a sun hat, sunglasses, and possibly an umbrella. Always carry a water bottle and hydrate every 15 to 20 minutes, rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. If you need to walk for extended periods or wait for public transport, try to stay in shaded and ventilated areas to avoid direct sun exposure.

Drivers must be especially vigilant, as extreme heat poses hidden but serious risks to vehicles. Always check tire pressure and rubber condition, since heat can cause tire pressure to spike and potentially lead to blowouts. Never leave items such as lighters, batteries, flammable materials, or electronic devices inside a parked car, as interior temperatures can reach 60–80°C and trigger fires. Importantly, never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, not even for a few minutes, as the extreme heat can be fatal.

On a broader societal level, extreme weather is becoming the new normal. The frequency and intensity of heat events are steadily increasing. Experts repeatedly urge that human societies must accelerate their adaptation and response strategies to climate change. This includes urban greening for heat mitigation, upgrading infrastructure to endure high temperatures, and enhancing public health systems and disaster warning mechanisms. Otherwise, we face the growing threat of climate-induced food shortages, electricity grid overloads, water resource depletion, and public health emergencies.

Extreme heat is no longer just a rare weather anomaly—it is a red flag signaling a deeper climate imbalance. Every individual must learn to coexist with "heat" and recognize the far-reaching impact humanity has had on the environment. In a summer like this, protecting yourself is more than self-care—it's a contribution to the safety and resilience of society as a whole.