'Non-survivable': heatwaves are breaching human limits
5 hours ago
- #public-health
- #climate-change
- #extreme-heat
- Extreme heat is causing 'non-survivable' conditions, with heatwaves leading to thousands of deaths, and these numbers are likely underreported.
- A new survivability model, accounting for temperature, humidity, and age-related cooling ability, shows that older people face deadly risks even below the wet bulb temperature limit of 35°C.
- Six heatwaves (2003-2024) were analyzed, with all posing fatal threats to those over 65 in direct sun, and some, like in Larkana and Phoenix, even in shade.
- The study highlights that deadly conditions are already endangering hundreds of millions, and risks are higher than previously thought as heatwaves intensify with climate change.
- Older adults are more vulnerable due to reduced sweating ability, and without mitigation, further warming could make some regions uninhabitable, especially in densely populated tropical areas.