Is climate change making Earth too hot for people to survive? Know what scientist explains  

Heat Waves (Photo- Canva)

Climate change on Earth is a critical issue; this year, extreme heat waves in many countries are increasing concerns as they are combined with high humidity. In most inhabited areas, it won’t get “too hot for people to live” because humans can sweat off the water and it will eventually evaporate. This can happen in manageable heat wave regions, as explained by the US-based scientist Fort Collins.

On the other hand, in extreme heatwave regions such as the Middle East part where countries like Pakistan and India face severe heat waves as there is high humidity. In these conditions, it will lead to the human body struggling to cool down through sweating. This can lead to heatstroke and even death. This hot and humid combination is deadly.

Collin further explains the situation and adds on this in his conversation, that the use of 'wet bulb temperature' can help in better assessment of the risk of heat waves. A wet bulb thermometer is a device that helps water evaporate when the air is blown over a damp cloth. If this device's temperature displays over 35° Celsius, then the human body will not be capable of releasing enough heat out of the human system.

Collin, in his recent warning, shared his concerns and said, “During a severe heat wave in 2023, wet bulb temperatures were very high over the lower Mississippi Valley, though they didn't reach fatal levels. In Delhi, India, where air temperatures were over 49° Celsius for several days in May 2024, the wet bulb temperatures came close, and several people died from suspected heatstroke in the hot and humid weather. In conditions like that, everyone has to take precautions,".

These harsh climate conditions are the results of the burning of fossil fuels, fewer trees, and global warming. These factors together lead to sea warming, and temperature rises, creating hot and humid conditions in many places around the globe.

According to research, if the global temperature increases like this by 1°C or more, billions of people could be in trouble as natural cooling will be impossible. Scientists are working on solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate.

Overall, it is not a situation in the current scenario where the entire planet will become uninhabitable, but climate change will make many places less hospitable and make it difficult for the people living in the region to survive. This can also result in large-scale migration and economic disruption.

These research and experiments done by scientists will help them know how to address climate change, which is crucial for the planet’s health.