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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/08/extreme-weather-heatwaves-breaching-human-survival-limits-study-finds>
"Extreme heat is already creating “non-survivable” conditions for humans in
heatwaves that have killed thousands and likely many more, according to new
research that warns people are more susceptible to rising temperatures than
first thought.
Scientists re-examined six extreme heatwaves between 2003 and 2024 and found
that when temperature, humidity and the body’s ability to stay cool were
accounted for, all were potentially deadly for older people.
The absolute limit for humans to survive had been assumed to be a six-hour
exposure to a wet bulb temperature of 35C – a measure that accounts for
temperature and humidity but has rarely been observed on the planet at that
level.
Heatwaves in Mecca (Saudi Arabia, 2024), Bangkok (Thailand, 2024), Phoenix
(United States, 2023), Mount Isa (Australia, 2019), Larkana (Pakistan, 2015)
and Seville (Spain, 2003) had seen thousands of deaths despite none approaching
that wet bulb limit, the research found.
But when scientists applied a new model of human survivability that takes into
account the body’s ability to function and stay cool depending on age, they
found all six events had seen non-survivable periods for older people who could
not find shade.
Prof Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, the study’s lead author at the Australian
National University, said the results were shocking.
“My first thought was ‘Oh shit’ – I really didn’t expect to see that,
especially when you zoom in to individual cities,” she said.
“If it’s already happening now, then what does a future that is two or three
degrees warmer hold?”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
