Extreme heat waves are already here, and they are killing tens of thousands of people. Blasting through 2 degrees Celsius of warming means they’ll happen many times more frequently.
  • @CanadaPlus
    19•9 months ago

    As the article notes, AC units can overcome that, but not everyone can afford that around the world. If they’re poor, are they even people, though? /s

    It also makes an interesting point about non-mechanised farming. It’s still a big industry, but you can’t really do it if it’s too hot. I wonder if we might actually see an increase in mechanisation in the tropics as traditional farmers are forced to sell and move elsewhere. Man, spices are going to get so expensive :(

    • ☆ Yσɠƚԋσʂ ☆OP
      16•9 months ago

      Not only that, but AC units need power and grids can’t handle such surges in most places. We already saw how the grid in Texas failed to cope with peak demand last year.

      • @CanadaPlus
        9•9 months ago

        Yeah. In theory that’s a short-term issue, as you can build more power plants and infrastructure to burn more fossil fuels to provide power, although there’s an obvious vicious cycle there. If we can figure out grid storage, renewables would also work, and I think it’s hopeful that we will.

        Of course, if you’re in Texas, the government might just not feel like implementing new stuff to combat what they consider woke weather.

    • ☆ Yσɠƚԋσʂ ☆OP
      7•9 months ago

      Although worth noting that the problem is worse for places that aren’t prepared for heat spikes. For example, a lot of Europe lacks air conditioning and the grid wouldn’t be able to support such a huge energy increase if everyone got an AC. Places that regularly deal with heat waves are in a better position to cope going forward I suspect.

      • الأرض ستبقى عربية
        6•9 months ago

        Yes, I am not overly concerned. As I see it with enough cheap energy and technology, it is a livable problem, if only the entire region had peace and stable governments. Some cities in the more prosperous countries have outdoor air conditioning, and what luck cooling is a more efficient process than heating. I personally hope we develop nuclear energy and use outdoor air conditioning in all cities.