Can the human body cope with extreme heat in a changing climate?

The scorching summer of 2022 left a devastating trail of 61,000 lives lost across Europe,* illustrating the human body's vulnerability to extreme heat. But amidst this tragedy arises a compelling question: how does the human body defy incineration under the assault of a 40°C summer sun? What ar...

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發表在:URI:https://journals.openedition.org/factsreports,
主要作者: Vancamp, Pieter
格式: Article ou chapitre numérique
語言:Anglais
出版: Field Actions Science Reports 2025
在線閱讀:Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM
實物特徵
總結:The scorching summer of 2022 left a devastating trail of 61,000 lives lost across Europe,* illustrating the human body's vulnerability to extreme heat. But amidst this tragedy arises a compelling question: how does the human body defy incineration under the assault of a 40°C summer sun? What arsenal of defences does it wield to brave such extreme conditions? Let's discover an incredible journey through the body and its perfectionated physiology to safeguard our survival regardless of the temperature's merciless whims. It is a breathtaking showcase of nature's ingenuity.Yet, even the most formidable defences have their breaking points. When does this finely tuned orchestra falter, and how does the scorching heat transform from a mere discomfort to a lethal threat? In the light of climate change, these questions loom large. With record-breaking temperatures signalling the onslaught of more frequent and severe heatwaves, one cannot help but wonder: can our bodies endure the relentless march towards a hotter world? And how can we best anticipate to protect ourselves and our peers?*. Ballester, J.,et al. (2023). Heat-related mortality in Europe during the summer of 2022. Nature Medicine, 29(7), 1249-1259. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02419-z.