A new study has warned that several global regions are at risk of unprecedented heat extremes in the coming decades. The study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, analyzed climate models and found that areas such as the Mediterranean, Middle East, and parts of South America could experience heatwaves that exceed the limits of human survival.
The research team used a metric called “wet-bulb temperature” to measure the combined effects of heat and humidity on the human body. Wet-bulb temperature is the lowest temperature that can be achieved through evaporative cooling, and it is a more accurate measure of heat stress than air temperature alone.
The study found that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at their current rate, wet-bulb temperatures could exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in some regions by the end of the century. This is the threshold beyond which the human body cannot cool itself through sweating, leading to heatstroke, organ failure, and death.
The Mediterranean region, which includes countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, is particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. The study found that wet-bulb temperatures could exceed 35 degrees Celsius for up to 20 days per year in some parts of the region by 2100. This would pose a significant risk to public health and could also have economic consequences, such as reduced agricultural productivity and increased energy demand for air conditioning.
The Middle East is another region at high risk of extreme heat. The study found that wet-bulb temperatures could exceed 35 degrees Celsius for up to 80 days per year in some parts of the region by 2100. This would make outdoor work and even indoor activities without air conditioning extremely dangerous.
Parts of South America, including Brazil and Argentina, are also at risk of unprecedented heat extremes. The study found that wet-bulb temperatures could exceed 35 degrees Celsius for up to 30 days per year in some parts of the region by 2100. This could have significant impacts on agriculture and public health.
The study’s authors emphasize the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. They suggest that adaptation measures, such as improving access to air conditioning and reducing outdoor work hours during heatwaves, will also be necessary to protect public health in the most vulnerable regions.
In conclusion, the study highlights the serious risks posed by extreme heat in several global regions. It underscores the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. Failure to do so could have devastating consequences for public health, agriculture, and the economy.
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