Recently CNN criticized Donald Trump as quoting “wildly inaccurate figures to minimize the threat of climate change.” In the same article, the news agency said that, “As the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has noted, the global sea level is currently rising at about 1/8th of an inch per year.”
The threat of global heat levels increasing is very real, and as we have seen with the recent heat waves across the world, we need to take stock of the situation and prepare ourselves for what this means to us on a daily basis.
It is not just the tropics that suffer intense heat any more. Those of us who live in the tropics wonder how the heat can get as unbearable as it does for us, in any other part of the world. Certainly, it feels as though we are ready to melt in April and then we are teased with some rain before it becomes intolerable again in July. However, the threat of extreme heat now affects even Europe and North America, as recently experienced weather phenomenon showed. Prolonged intense heat has taken over in the US this year with experts predicting similar weather patterns in Germany, France, Poland and Spain. Temperatures are said to have increased to as much as 45 degrees Celsius in certain areas, sparking warnings of forest fires and bringing in patients suffering with heat-related illnesses to hospitals.
Yes, global warming is upon us, (the UN is now calling it ‘global boiling’) and while we need to take steps to prevent it from worsening, we also need to mitigate its consequences. Especially for us humans, this means that we need to be conscious of our health and what this means for us living safely and healthily. The statistics are alarming: records show that over a 100 people have died in Mexico this year due to the intense heat. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Al Jazeera estimates that around 61,000 people died due to heatwaves in Europe alone, last year.
Too hot to handle
The reason that heat is detrimental to humans is because it puts pressure on the heart and organs and can even affect memory and lead to dehydration and eventual death. If we look at it logically, when we feel extremely hot, we cannot think clearly. We feel so much discomfort that our cognition is impaired until we cool down. If we are unable to cool down, it leads to heat stroke. As the temperature of the body rises rapidly, it is not possible to sweat and cool down, and all bodily functions start arresting. It is quite like a car over-heating. Dehydration can even end in kidney failure.
The skin is the most important part of the body in controlling temperature. It is through the skin that our body releases its temperature through sweating and the evaporation of sweat. However, high heat and humidity can tamper with the evaporation of sweat and result in dehydration- a concept scientists call ‘the wet-bulb temperature’ which is the point where water stops evaporating from a wet thermometer bulb.
Then, this also puts pressure on the heart. The body tries to cool itself and the blood becomes confined in the skin. Therefore, the heart starts working extra hard to pump that blood back into the heart and continue its circulation. This extra pressure on the heart, including it becoming devoid of oxygen and nutrients, can lead to a heart attack.
Studies have also found a prevalence of respiratory issues in connection with extreme heat. Those with existing respiratory ailments such as asthma can find these illnesses being aggravated by rising temperatures.
In addition, extreme heat also affects our mental faculties. This in turn, makes it easy to fall and hurt ourselves. However, this is just the external effect of extreme heat that is clearly visible to the naked eye. One can also suffer from a lack of blood going to the brain, thus affecting the nervous system.
Another worrying impact is that scientists have now found a correlation between intense heat and depression. In fact, a study has shown that higher temperatures have led to higher suicide rates in the US and Mexico. While people often talk about colder temperatures leading to depression, it is rare that a connection is made between higher temperatures and poor mental health- until recently.
What can we do?
- It’s the age-old piece of advice that works best: stay hydrated. Doctors say that in extreme heat situations one must drink water as much as possible, and not just wait until we are thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks as these may lead to a loss in more body fluid. However, remember that you should not drink water excessively as this could lead to water intoxication. The body can only process a maximum of 1 liter of water per hour in extreme heat and humidity.
- Wear light and airy clothes: this makes sense because it helps to keep the body cooler.
- Try to stay indoors where there is air-conditioning. Granted, this may not always be possible, but at least try to stay in a shady area if one is outdoors. When indoors, operate a fan and use wet towels periodically to cool off.
- When outdoors, wear sunscreen. This will prevent your body from overheating and becoming dehydrated. Ideally, look for sunscreens that read SPF 15 or higher.
Be vigilant
It is not just the summer months anymore that we need to be wary of. Extreme heat can happen out of season because of global warming and climate change. We cannot confine its dangers to one part of the world or just say that it hardly happens the further we move from the equator. All humans are at risk, as are animals. In fact, we must remember to also care for our animal friends in intense periods of heat. Set out that extra water bowl and keep the bird-bath in your garden filled. Hose down your children while you’re at it (let them have some fun outside!), and take care to look out for those in need of some extra hydration such as people who regularly work outside. Climate change has crept up on us with all its force; we now have to fight it together while also showing concern for one another.
(Anouk De Silva)