Act Now or Pay Later -2

Act Now or Pay Later - Day 2 of 2

From the Economist, March 5th , 2022 issue

Human systems, too, may prove to have hard limits.

There are combinations of heat and humidity that make unprotected outdoor life impossible.

At 100% humidity, people cannot survive above 35°C because they cannot cool down by sweating. In the nearer term, though, what the report calls “soft limits” matter more.

Heatwaves in the northern hemisphere last summer illustrate the point.

British Columbia recorded a freakishly high temperature of 49.6°C.

Almost simultaneously, Iraqis protested against electricity cuts as temperatures in their country exceeded 50°C.

I ask: Can our great grandchildren survive the conditions of 100% humidity above 35°C with no electricity?

Talk to you soon