Human bodies are capable of managing temperature, but their cooling mechanisms only work under the right conditions
In 2050, the world is facing a sweltering future due to increasing heat waves. According to a 2022 projection, Earth's mid-latitudes could experience extreme heat between 90 and 180 days a year, with tropical regions enduring even more. Human bodies are capable of managing temperature, but their cooling mechanisms only work under the right conditions. When air temperatures rise, the hypothalamus tells blood vessels near the skin to widen, allowing more blood to flow near the body's surface and release heat. This hormonal cascade also turns on our sweat glands, which pull the heat from our skin.
The US National Weather Service uses the relationship between humidity and air temperature as the basis for their heat index. As these two metrics rise, so too does the heat index, and heat is considered dangerous if the index climbs above 39.4°C (103°F). A heat wave is a streak of two or more days of unusually hot weather for a place and season.
The impact of these events touches nearly every aspect of daily life. For example, a June heat wave in a tropical city would result in dehydration, muscle pain known as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Medical emergency calls spike across the city, often for children, pregnant people, or elderly people. The heat also increases hospital visits for heart, kidney, and lung-related conditions, creating an influx of patients that threatens to overwhelm medical providers.
Schools and construction sites close, airplanes need to reduce their weight limits to take off, restaurants shut down, and residents who remain inside with air conditioners stay safe. However, blasting AC is not cheap, and many families have to choose between keeping cool and staying fed. If the heat continues, the stress of these air conditioners could overwhelm the power grid, potentially leading to city-wide outages.
Each year, close to 500,000 people die due to excessive heat, and these extreme conditions are growing more common. We can limit medical impacts by seeking help for heat-related illnesses, staying hydrated, and keeping people cool through public access to water and AC.
About the Writer
Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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