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Record-breaking temperature trends raise concerns as August 2016 ties July for hottest month on record.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Climate Action Network today voiced concern over newly released data by NASA showing last August was the warmest August on record, tying July for the warmest month ever recorded. Summer temperatures generally peak in July, which raises concerns over excessive heat persisting through August.

“Yet again, we are seeing record-breaking temperatures, which is concerning for the health of Michiganders and our Pure Michigan way of life,” said Kate Madigan, director of the Michigan Climate Action Network. “Many cities and states around the country have already begun to shift rapidly to renewable energy in order to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, and our state needs to do the same.”

Warming surface temperatures are warming the water in the Great Lakes and inland waterways, which is impacting fish, birds and other wildlife. Excessive heat also can contribute to poor air quality days, which disproportionately affects children, seniors, and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Climate change is also leading to more extreme rainfall events and flooding, as well as drought. These combined stresses are leading to negative effects like crop failures, increased invasive species, more toxic algae blooms, and runoff that contaminates our waterways. If we continue on this path, temperatures are expected to rise at a rate of seven to 12 times faster in the next 40 years.

“Many cities and states around the country have already begun to shift rapidly to renewable energy in order to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, and our state needs to do the same.” – Kate Madigan, director of the Michigan Climate Action Network.

“As our lawmakers work to overhaul our state’s energy policy, there is a real opportunity to address climate change and rising temperatures,” said Madigan. “Increasing our renewable energy and energy efficiency programs will curb climate pollution, and will also improve public health, reduce air and water pollution, and create jobs in the growing clean-energy economy.”