Can we live with extreme heat?

Extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent across the globe, not only in countries used to cooler climates, but also in those already familiar with significantly hotter temperatures.

Intense heat can have an impact on the human body, from heat stroke to dehydration to skin damage. Economies can suffer as drought conditions impact farming communities. Built up urban areas can exacerbate the temperatures caused by heatwaves. And it can further expose already existing inequalities in society.

There is advice out there on how to protect ourselves. There are tried and tested models of sustainable farming. Some urban spaces are being redesigned to accommodate heat extremes, and some major cities are taking action to address the imbalances caused by extreme heat. But do they all go far enough? On this week’s Inquiry we’re asking, ‘Can we live with extreme heat?’

Contributors: Prof Ollie Jay, director of Heat and Health Research Centre, University of Sydney, Australia Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, animal scientist, chairperson of the Council of the National University of Science & Technology, Zimbabwe Winston Chow, co-chair, IPPC Working Group II, professor of urban climate, Singapore Management University Diana Liverman, professor of geography, University of Arizona, Tuscon, USA

(Photo: Two people walking with blue umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Credit: Tiziana Fab/Getty Images)

Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Jill Collins Researcher: Amelia Cox Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Production Co-ordiantor: Phoebe Lomas Production Management Assistant: Liam Morrey Editor: Tom Bigwood