How to Survive This Heat
Digest
This episode of What Next dives into the science behind staying cool during extreme heat, particularly focusing on the impact of humidity and the wet bulb temperature. Host Mary Harris interviews Vox's Adam Clark Estes, who explains how the US military developed the wet bulb globe temperature to measure heat's impact on the human body. They discuss the importance of understanding humidity's role in heat-related deaths and how air conditioning, while effective, can strain the power grid. Estes debunks the myth that turning down the thermostat speeds up the cooling process, emphasizing the importance of using fans and loose-fitting clothing to aid in sweat evaporation. He also encourages listeners to consider closing curtains during the day to prevent direct sunlight from heating up their homes. The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of finding a comfortable temperature for each individual, acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to staying cool.
Outlines
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The Science of Heat and Its Deadly Impact
This Chapter delves into the science behind heat's impact on the human body, explaining how excessive heat can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The conversation highlights the cumulative effects of heat and how extreme weather events, like Hurricane Ida, can exacerbate heat-related deaths.
The Wet Bulb Temperature and Its Importance
This Chapter introduces the concept of the wet bulb temperature, a more accurate measure of heat's impact on the human body that takes into account humidity, radiant heat, and air movement. The conversation explains how the US military developed this measurement to reduce heat-related deaths during training and its relevance to the general population during extreme heat waves.
Debunking AC Myths and Practical Cooling Tips
This Chapter debunks the myth that turning down the thermostat speeds up the cooling process, explaining how air conditioners work and how to optimize their effectiveness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of using fans, loose-fitting clothing, and blocking direct sunlight to stay cool while conserving energy.
Keywords
Wet Bulb Temperature
The wet bulb temperature is a measure of heat's impact on the human body that takes into account humidity, radiant heat, and air movement. It is often described as reading a thermometer with a damp sock around it, simulating the effect of humidity on the air temperature. The wet bulb temperature is a more accurate indicator of how hot it feels than the dry bulb temperature, which is the standard air temperature reported by weather services.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a condition that occurs when the body overheats and is unable to regulate its temperature. Symptoms include excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke if not treated promptly.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the body's temperature rises to a dangerously high level. Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to the long-term shift in global weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to rising global temperatures, more extreme weather events, and other environmental changes.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is a system that cools and dehumidifies air, typically used in buildings and vehicles to provide a comfortable indoor environment. Air conditioning works by circulating air over a refrigerant, which absorbs heat and releases it outside the building. While effective, air conditioning can be energy-intensive and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Humidity
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate, reducing the body's ability to cool itself. This can exacerbate the effects of heat and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Fans
Fans are devices that circulate air, helping to cool the body by increasing the rate of sweat evaporation. Fans can be used in conjunction with air conditioning to improve comfort and reduce energy consumption.
Loose-fitting Clothing
Loose-fitting clothing allows for better air circulation around the body, promoting sweat evaporation and helping to keep the body cool. Tight-fitting clothing can trap heat and moisture, making it harder for the body to regulate its temperature.
Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can significantly heat up a building, making it harder to stay cool. Closing curtains or blinds during the day can help to block direct sunlight and reduce the amount of heat entering the building.
Q&A
What is the wet bulb temperature and why is it important?
The wet bulb temperature is a more accurate measure of heat's impact on the human body than the dry bulb temperature. It takes into account humidity, radiant heat, and air movement, providing a better understanding of how hot it actually feels. The wet bulb temperature is crucial for understanding the risk of heat-related illnesses and for making informed decisions about staying cool.
How does humidity affect the body's ability to cool itself?
High humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate, which is the body's primary mechanism for cooling itself. When sweat cannot evaporate, it traps heat against the skin, making it feel hotter and increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Is there a recommended temperature for setting your air conditioner?
There is no single recommended temperature for setting your air conditioner. Everyone experiences temperature differently, and what feels comfortable to one person may be too hot or too cold for another. It's important to find a comfortable temperature for yourself and your family, while also considering the impact on energy consumption and the environment.
What are some practical tips for staying cool without relying solely on air conditioning?
Some practical tips for staying cool without relying solely on air conditioning include using fans, wearing loose-fitting clothing, blocking direct sunlight, and staying hydrated. These methods can help to promote sweat evaporation and keep the body cool without putting a strain on the power grid.
How can I reduce my energy consumption while staying cool during a heat wave?
To reduce energy consumption while staying cool, consider using fans in conjunction with air conditioning, closing curtains during the day to block direct sunlight, and wearing loose-fitting clothing. These methods can help to keep you comfortable while reducing your reliance on air conditioning and lowering your energy bill.
Show Notes
Air-conditioning can feel like the only way to get through increasingly hot summers, but it’s an expensive, power-hungry way to keep cool.
How necessary is it? And how necessary is it to raise our thermostats up from 72 degrees?
Guest: Adam Clark Estes, senior technology correspondent at Vox.
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Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.
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