As climate change begins to unleash irreversible consequences on our world, dangerous humidity and heat combos are becoming more common. New research from the University of Columbia has temperature beginning to normally exceed what humans can survive in.
The report states that extreme heat reaching or exceeding the temperature of 35C or 95F is the upper physiological limit of humans. This means that if left in this heat for a prolonged period of time, humans cannot survive.
An interactive chart that was created to help show which areas of the world are most likely to fall into this extreme heat range.
Humidity and Heat is A Killer Combo
Without a doubt, most people are familiar with the combination of humidity and heat, but just in case, let me explain.
Humidity is the concentration of water vapor in the air. The more water, the higher the percentage. The more humid it is, the hotter the air actually feels. Thus, the actual temperature that your body experiences is much higher than the actual heat.
For example, if the temperature is 90F with a humidity of 60%, the “real feel” is actually 100F. That’s 10 degrees higher!
What the Report Studied
The report compiled almost 8,000 weather stations around the world. Using this information, researchers came to the realization that we are already experiencing a dangerous effect of climate change.
Many studies have stated that this will occur in the future, but there is clear evidence that it is occurring now. Which is faster than anticipated. And this is clearly a result of humanity not curbing its emissions.
In fact, the opposite has occurred, emissions are on the rise.
Developed nations will not have a hard time coping with the temperature increase when compared to smaller developing nations. In these more underdeveloped nations, air conditioning is not readily available. This means residents have to endure the heat. And in most cases, this means working through it.
