B2 – Upper Intermediate
Recent research shows some heatwaves are already too extreme for human survival, especially for older adults. Even temperatures below previous “fatal” thresholds can be deadly when humidity and sun exposure are considered.
Read the article to know why climate change is expected to make these conditions more common.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “wet bulb temperature” mean? “The absolute limit for humans to survive had been assumed to be a six-hour exposure to a wet bulb temperature of 35C.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “core body temperature” mean? “The study only looked for periods where deadly heatstroke was likely if a person was exposed for six hours and also assumed people were entering the heat with normal core body temperature.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “to zoom in to something” mean? “My first thought was ‘Oh shit’ – I really didn’t expect to see that, especially when you zoom in to individual cities.“ Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- How do extreme heatwaves affect people’s daily lives in your country?
- Do you think your area is prepared for more intense heat in the future? Why or why not?
- What groups of people are most at risk during severe heatwaves?
- What are some simple ways individuals can protect themselves during extreme heat?
- Do you think governments are doing enough to address climate-related health risks like heatwaves? Why or why not?
One reply on “Heatwaves Reaching “Non-Survivable” Levels”
– How do extreme heatwaves affect people’s daily lives in your country? Heatwaves are such a big deal in Spain, for example, during summer you cannot stay outside in a certain window of hours, beacuse it is very dangeorus overall for kids and older people.
– Do you think your area is prepared for more intense heat in the future? Why or why not? Yes it is prepared because people is already conscious about heatwaves. People houses are usually equipped by air conditioners and blackout windows, so that they que control the entrance of air at high temperature. The thing is, electricity is so expensive, that you have to plan the best and efficient way to use it.
– What groups of people are most at risk during severe heatwaves? kids and older people. Also you have ti take specially care of people with some disability or sickness.
– What are some simple ways individuals can protect themselves during extreme heat? Not going out during certain hours, using sunblock, staying hidrated drinking water.
– Do you think governments are doing enough to address climate-related health risks like heatwaves? Why or why not? Yes, i think they work hard to help and protect people, but they should rethink ways so that everybody can have the opportunity to afford air conditioner or any other electric fan.