By the end of this current 21st century, there could be some parts of the Middle East, where the heat of the day could be so hot, that even being outside in it for 20 minutes could prove fatal. If you have ever experienced temperatures more than 40c (104F) then you will know, that regardless of humidity, just how uncomfortable that kind of heat is to bear.
With such an extreme heat index like this, the delicate biochemistry of the body will start to glitch in a variety of ways. Heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, muscle cramps, heat swelling, fainting, dizziness and fatigue, vomiting and in some cases death.
What could this look like? If you cast your mind back to the year 2003, The European continent experienced one of its highest recorded temperatures, with a blistering killer heatwave that sadly was just too much for its elderly and unwell. Temperatures in Paris, topped a staggering 45c (113 F). Even in London, we managed an unusual 37c (99 F).
Climate change is here and the boundaries of survival are being pushed. Sadly, the countries in the thermal firing line where the damage could be the worse, would be Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. These Armageddon-type predictions are based on what is likely to happen, if we continue with the current pace of producing man-made carbon dioxide emissions and not put into place the Paris Accord of 2016.
Other environmental responses to reducing resource use, include the box and paperwork that comes with your brand-new iPhone. Recycled paper, materials and resources will only be taken from sustainably managed forests. Which is important for the planet’s atmosphere, as it could be the catalyst to stop illegal logging in tropical rainforests, like those in Indonesia and the Amazonian region.
Heat Index Explained
The Heat Index is the apparent temperature of what the temperature actually “feels like”, this is a measure of when the relative humidity is combined with the actual air temperature. When the heat index is above 70c (158 F), the human body can ‘feel’ hot, that its conditioned response for producing sweat which is essential in keeping the body cool could break down. It’s a situation that would affect us all, even those that are young, fit and healthy.
Scientists have forwarded the notion, that if we don’t start acting on climate change and limiting the creation of our carbon emissions by using fossil fuels, we may well have to consider evacuating some parts of the Persian Gulf.