“Surviving the Heat: What Andy Weir’s Novel ‘Project Hail Mary’ Reveals About the Deadly Consequences of Climate Change”
In Andy Weir’s 2021 novel Project Hail Mary, the dimming of the sun by 5 to 10 percent is depicted as enough to cause a collapse of the entire global ecosystem and food chain. Earth’s governments act urgently to make and send a spacecraft to save humanity. This scenario, while fictional, raises questions about the real-world implications of climate change and the potential consequences of inaction.
In the era of human-caused climate change, we are accustomed to seeing headlines about the melting ice caps and rising sea levels. However, there are lesser-known impacts of climate change, such as the emergence of dangerous, incurable fungi and the increase in severe storms around the world. These changes are affecting not only the environment but also human health and well-being.
One aspect of climate change that is often overlooked is its impact on the human body. Hot weather can be deadly, leading to conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The body’s water equilibrium is crucial, and in hot weather, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and other health complications. Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., surpassing hurricanes and tornadoes in terms of fatalities.
The human body has limits when it comes to temperature tolerance. The upper limit of the body’s thermoneutral zone is around 104 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, beyond which the body can no longer dissipate heat effectively. Internal body temperature must be carefully regulated to prevent damage to organs and tissues. Brain damage can occur at internal temperatures above 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit, highlighting the dangers of extreme heat exposure.
As the climate continues to warm, people will need to adapt to survive in increasingly hot environments. Residents of places like Phoenix, Arizona, are already experiencing record-breaking temperatures, with some regions becoming uninhabitable due to extreme heat. Climate change may force more people to become climate refugees, seeking refuge in cooler areas or adapting to new migratory patterns.
The human body’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures is limited, and the consequences of prolonged heat exposure could have far-reaching effects on global populations. It is crucial for governments and individuals to take action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and prevent a potential mass extinction event. The time to address climate change is now, before it’s too late.