heatwave

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Japan unveils 'human refrigerator' to combat extreme summer heat
2 months ago
- Japan introduced a portable 'human refrigerator' cooling booth called the 'Do Hiemon Box' to combat extreme summer heat.
- The booth uses 5°C air directed at the head, neck, and shoulders, maintains an internal temperature of about 15°C, and automatically shuts off after 20 minutes.
- It is designed for outdoor workers, factory employees, and the public to prevent heatstroke during increasingly intense heatwaves.
- The unit is compact, resembling a vending machine, and can be moved between workplaces and public spaces on caster wheels.
- Usage has risen to over 30 people per day as temperatures increase, with users reporting immediate cooling relief.
Notes from a Burning Paris
2 months ago
- Paris is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave with temperatures 15°C above average, causing 55 deaths in 24 hours and widespread disruption.
- Infrastructure failures include nuclear plant shutdowns, train breakdowns, blackouts, and water contamination alerts, leading to cascading crises.
- Residents adapt by camping in parks, sleeping in caves, and seeking air-conditioned spaces, but many suffer in poorly insulated apartments.
- Community solidarity emerges through sharing resources, late-night swimming, and informal support networks like WhatsApp groups.
- The situation is seen as a preview of collapse from climate inaction, with a forecasted 'Godzilla' El Niño expected to worsen global impacts by 2027.
Families in London temporary housing told they cant use inbuilt air conditioning
2 months ago
- Homeless families in temporary housing at Britannia Point, London, were initially denied use of built-in air conditioning, described as 'not offered as an amenity', leading to two children being hospitalized during heatwaves.
- Residents faced stifling conditions in a glass-fronted, 19-storey block with limited window openings, making flats unbearably hot; some were threatened with high bills (up to £500) if they used air conditioning.
- After a complaint and Guardian report, the managing company, Aura Assets Management, reversed policy, stating air conditioning is now 'fully operational' and tenants are advised to use it sensibly to avoid high bills.
- The block is owned by Criterion Capital, while tenancies are managed by Aura Assets Management; emails initially denied air conditioning access, but the company later said the situation 'has since changed' and the earlier decision was based on prior arrangements.

heatwave

Japan unveils 'human refrigerator' to combat extreme summer heat

Notes from a Burning Paris

Families in London temporary housing told they cant use inbuilt air conditioning