What are the likely health impacts related to Global Warming in Los Angeles?
Today the average number of days in a year in which the temperature in Los Angeles rises above 90° F is four. By the 2080s, this average is expected to rise to 14-37 days a year. This increase will exacerbate heat-related illnesses and mortality. According to studies linking heat-related illnesses and global warming, mortalities from the heat are projected to grow 62%-88%. Complete acclimation to hotter temperatures is unlikely because many urban buildings, especially residences of the poor, will not be modified quickly enough to offset the often extremely hot conditions. People likely to be most affected by the heat are senior citizens of 60 years old and up, people with previously existing cardio-respiratory problems, and people living in poor housing conditions. Furthermore, ozone or smog levels will increase as the temperature rises. The inversion layer (acting like a blanket of hot air) traps pollution in the South Coast Air Basin. Heat and sunlight contribute to the formation of
