Climate Change Could Render Earth Uninhabitable for Humans, Says Research
New research conducted by the Penn State College of Health and Human Development, Purdue Institute for a Sustainable Future, and Purdue University College of Sciences has found that climate change is causing a significant increase in global temperatures, potentially making the planet too hot for human survival. The study predicts a temperature increase ranging from 1.5°C to 4°C (34.7°F to 39.2°F) and identifies regions that may experience the most severe effects of extreme heat.
If you live in one of these areas, it is crucial to understand the long-term consequences and prepare accordingly. Additionally, this research serves as a reminder of the urgent need to continue combatting climate change to ensure livable conditions on Earth. In this article, we will explore the methodology behind the researchers’ global heat projections and highlight the countries that will face the most severe impacts. Furthermore, we will delve into the reasons why extreme heat may become unbearable for humans.
Impact of Rising Global Heat
The researchers analyzed historical temperature increases to estimate future trends. They attributed the onset of extreme global warming to the Industrial Revolution when widespread use of heavy machinery and factories led to a significant increase in fossil fuel consumption. As a result, global temperatures rose by nearly 1°C (1.8°F). In response to this alarming trend, 196 countries signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, pledging to prevent global temperatures from surpassing the 1.5°C threshold.
However, if temperatures continue to rise unchecked, the worst-case scenario could entail an increase of 1.5°C to 4°C. To accurately assess the impact on human health, climate scientists joined forces with human body experts like W. Larry Kenney, a professor of Physiology at Penn State. Kenney emphasizes the importance of collaboration, stating, “To understand how complex, real-world problems like climate change will affect human health, you need expertise both about the planet and the human body.”
In a study published last year, Penn State researchers established that the ambient wet-bulb temperature limit for young, healthy individuals is approximately 31°C (87.8°F) at 100% humidity. To date, only the Middle East and Southeast Asia have experienced temperatures and humidity levels exceeding these limits. Consequently, raising global heat by 2°C above preindustrial levels would subject the following populations to unbearable temperatures:
- 2.2 billion people in the Indus River Valley of Pakistan and India
- A billion people in eastern China
- 800 million people in sub-Saharan Africa
Many lower-to-middle-income regions lack widespread access to air conditioning and similar cooling systems, making it even more challenging to manage extreme heat.
The Impact of Extreme Global Heat on Human Health
W. Larry Kenney and his colleagues conducted 462 separate experiments to investigate the combined effects of heat, humidity, and physical exertion on humans’ ability to maintain a stable core temperature. The findings suggest that previous estimates of these limits were too high. As Kenney explains, “As people get warmer, they sweat, and more blood is pumped to their skin so that they can maintain their core temperatures by losing heat to the environment. However, at certain levels of heat and humidity, these adjustments become insufficient, leading to a rise in body core temperature. While this does not pose an immediate threat, it does necessitate some form of relief.”
If individuals fail to find a way to cool down within a few hours, it can result in heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to heart attacks in vulnerable individuals.
In addition to Kenney’s insights, Qinqin Kong, a graduate student supervised by Matthew Huber, one of the study’s co-authors, also provided notable contributions. Kong conducted research on how various populations worldwide respond to extreme heat and recommends that governments prioritize strategies for adapting to humid heat, which poses a greater threat than dry heat. He emphasizes the need to invest in programs that address the most imminent dangers people will face.
Conclusion
Recent research indicates that escalating global heat could render certain regions of the world unsustainable for human life by 2100, particularly parts of India, China, and other countries. However, advancements in technology, such as the discovery of using humid air as a green energy source, offer glimpses of hope in the fight against climate change. To learn more about this collaborative study on global warming, visit Eurekalert, and for the latest digital tips and trends, head over to Inquirer Tech.
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