Is It Too Hot In Here, Or Is It Just Me? A Guide To Global Warming&039;s Sneaky Effects

When we think of global warming, we often picture melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels. While these are certainly catastrophic consequences, they're not the only ones. Global warming is also responsible for a whole host of sneaky, everyday annoyances that we might not even realize are related.

**1. Your AC is working overtime.**

As temperatures rise, we crank up the air conditioning to stay cool. This puts a strain on our energy grids and leads to higher energy bills. In the United States alone, air conditioning accounts for 15% of residential electricity use.

**2. Your food is going bad faster.**

Higher temperatures also speed up the spoilage of food. This means that your fruits and vegetables are going bad faster than they used to. So, if you're finding yourself throwing away more food than usual, global warming might be to blame.

**3. You're getting more mosquito bites.**

Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid climates. As temperatures rise, mosquito populations are expanding and they're becoming more active. This means that you're more likely to get bitten by a mosquito, which can lead to diseases like Zika virus, dengue fever, and malaria.

**4. You're feeling more tired.**

Extreme heat can make it difficult to sleep. When you're overheated, your body has to work harder to cool itself down. This can lead to fatigue and lack of energy.

**5. Your skin is getting drier.**

High temperatures can also dry out your skin. This can lead to itching, peeling, and other skin problems.

**6. You're experiencing more headaches.**

Heat can also trigger headaches. When you're overheated, your blood vessels dilate, which can put pressure on your head.

**7. You're having trouble concentrating.**

Extreme heat can also make it difficult to concentrate. When you're overheated, your brain doesn't function as well as it should.

**8. You're feeling more irritable.**

Heat can also make people more irritable and aggressive. This is because heat can trigger the release of stress hormones.

So, there you have it. Global warming isn't just a problem for polar bears and glaciers. It's also a problem for your comfort, your health, and your wallet.