Global warming can become too hot for seniors in many areas, says a study

　A recent study suggests that global warming can reach dangerous levels for persons over 60 years of age.




　Specifically, older people are at risk in roughly a third of the planet’s landmass.




　READ: Global heat might become too hot for humans




　Lead author Tom Matthews warned that such conditions can cause lethal heatstrokes to this demographic.

Global warming should be a global warning

　Tom Matthews and his team examined historical global warming levels. 




　They found that between 1994 and 2023, heat and humidity reached unsafe levels.




　In 2024, global warming exceeded an average of 1.5 °C.




　Numerous countries promised in the Paris Climate Accord to lower global warming to 2 °C.




　Unfortunately, trends show that the world may reach that level and beyond. 




　That will make 6% of the world’s landmass dangerous for younger adults.




　Also, those over 60 will be at risk in roughly one-third of the planet’s landmass. 




　Dr. Tom Matthews, lead author and senior lecturer in Environmental Geography at King’s College London, shared this warning on the KCL website:




　“In such conditions, prolonged outdoor exposure – even for those if in the shade, subject to a strong breeze and well-hydrated – would be expected to cause lethal heatstroke.”




　Specifically, Matthews and his team warned that the heat mortality risk may reach unsurvivable thresholds.




　It’s when the body’s core temperature increases to 42°C within six hours.




　As global warming rises, their findings suggest more will need shelter from harsh temperatures:




　“As more of the planet experiences outdoor conditions too hot for our physiology, it will be essential that people have reliable access to cooler environments to shelter from the heat.




　Many organizations have been warning about this alarming trend for years. 




　In 2024, the World Meteorological Organization reported that carbon dioxide has been building up in the air faster than ever.




　“This should set alarm bells ringing among decision-makers,” WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said. 




　Learn more about this environmental trend here.

(2025/02/13-08:04)