A recent article on global warming uncovers the adverse effects of rising temperature and humidity. Although the older population is typically more susceptible to such severe conditions, new research finds that temperatures will soon exceed a threshold that even young people could struggle to withstand.
Research proves that an increase in heat waves correlates with a decrease in the body’s ability to cool itself. According to a study conducted by the Pennsylvania State University, the maximum temperature a human could endure before struggling to regulate their body temperature was originally believed to be 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). However, new studies found the threshold to be decreasing to 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). Humans are gradually losing their ability to cool themselves, a problem in an increasingly warm world.
Around 200 weather stations around the world have already measured temperatures exceeding this threshold. Researchers project that temperatures in Lahore, Pakistan might surpass this threshold for two to three weeks.Al Hudaydah, Yemen is projected to suffer such conditions for one to two months, at worst for the majority of the year. These places aren’t “unlivable” just yet; however, scientists express concern for what’s to come. In Europe or North America, where heat waves are less common, humans will struggle even more accommodating to such conditions. Carter Powis, a researcher at the University of Oxford, warns that such a lack of awareness could cause mass fatalities.
These concerns can be addressed by increased climate change control policies. Countries must work to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and promote developments in the renewable energy sector. Developing countries can work on spreading more general awareness on the issue and monitoring the public’s usage of plastic and similar materials that release chemical pollutants into the land and water. Global cooperation will help mitigate the impacts these countries are facing.
By Avanthi Krishnan