According to a study by the University of Bristol, 31% of the world’s regions have experienced extreme heat in the last 60 years or so. While these regions are prepared to deal with extreme heat to some extent, they are still ill-prepared in regions such as developed countries like the Netherlands and Belgium and developing countries like Guatemala and Honduras. These regions are at higher risk of heat stroke due to reasons such as the lack of air conditioning and the increased burden on outdoor workers. As global warming continues, measures need to be taken to help these regions cope with record heat waves.

One solution is to install air conditioning systems. This is a more practical measure, but not easy for some poor people. In other words, there is currently a disparity in access to air conditioning facilities, and a fundamental solution will require a large amount of money. Another drawback is that air conditioning systems require a huge amount of energy and thus emit more greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.

Another measure that can be considered is City tree planting. By increasing greenery and blocking sunlight, not only can the rise in temperature be controlled, but the transpiration effect of plants can also lower the ambient temperature. However, greening can affect local biodiversity if not properly managed. Therefore, it has the disadvantage of requiring a large amount of money and effort not only for the initial investment, but also for maintenance.

The world is now exposed to extreme climate change. We need to understand the extreme heat waves and other extreme weather events that are likely to occur, make the right preparations, and think about how to deal with them.

On May 3, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that the possibility of an “El Niño phenomenon” occurring this year is increasing. In this case, while Japan tends to experience cool summers and mild winters, the marine ecosystem may suffer a major blow as sea temperatures rise off the coast of Peru in South America. In the future, the effects of this disaster may be seen in the types and prices of fish available in supermarkets.

Almost a year ago in June, the BBC published an article titled “Japan is experiencing its worst heatwave in nearly 150 years. In Japan, the seven major electric power companies are currently discussing electricity rate hikes, raising concerns about soaring electricity bills, energy shortages, and heat stroke this summer. Against this backdrop, local governments are promoting “cooling shelter” initiatives, in which a corner of a public facility is turned into an air-conditioned rest area. How about checking for such facilities around your community in preparation for the coming full-blown heat wave?

Europe is experiencing a heatwave that is growing more intense each year. In this context, how are countries trying to overcome the heat? This article focuses on five countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Denmark. In Paris, more than 1,100 shelters are available on the city’s website in an effort to create a place where everyone can cool off. In Amsterdam, in implementing a greening policy to lower temperatures, a tile-removal championship is held between cities to see how much residents have helped green the city.

Heat waves will cause air conditioner use to explode in the coming decadesThe International Energy Agency reports that air conditioners and fans account for 20% of the total electricity used in buildings worldwide. Ironically, the more we cool our rooms, the warmer the planet becomes. This is why fans are gaining attention as an alternative to air conditioning. Studies have shown that the speed at which air passes through the body can have a significant impact on the perceived temperature, and moving warm air faster may produce the same level of cooling and thermal comfort as stationary but cooler air.