How heatwaves impact our lives | DW Documentary

Heatwaves. They are occurring more and more frequently, lasting longer and becoming more intense. In Europe, temperature records are constantly being broken. One question has scientists particularly concerned: How hot will it get in the future?

"During a heatwave with peak temperatures of 45 degrees, we expect an increase in excess mortality of 30 to 40 percent in Seville,” says physicist José María Martín-Olalla. He heads a project that aims to make the inhabitants of the Andalusian metropolis more aware of the danger posed by heat. One strategy: giving impending heatwaves names.

Such measures are becoming increasingly important, as we begin to realize that we have underestimated heatwaves and their consequences for far too long. Although our bodies can fall back on a number of cooling mechanisms, we are reaching our limits faster than previously expected -- as a human physiologist from the Dutch research organization TNO explains.

The thermal load is particularly high in cities. The record summer of 2003 in Paris, for example, led to apocalyptic conditions. According to climate experts, temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius cannot be ruled out for the French capital in the future.

But heatwaves also pose enormous challenges outside of cities. In Andalusia, coupled with prolonged periods of drought, they are endangering harvests. And temperatures are also rising dangerously in the Mediterranean.

This film explores the diverse effects heatwaves have on our lives and presents adaptation strategies. What impact have heatwaves had on our lives so far? How will heatwaves develop in the future? And what adaptation options are available to us in the face of the new heat reality? These are urgent questions to which scientists in Europe are seeking answers.

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[apopope]

I moved to Sweden early 90's and I remember it was so cold and how much snow there was. Those low temperatures are gone and so is the snow.

[ecocentrichomestead]

I live in Newfoundland Canada.
Record temperature for the 1900's was 34C. There's a joke that 25C is newfie boiling point.
In the past 5 years, we've had multiple days above 34C each year. I have 3 days at 37C and 6 days at 35C recorded in those five years.
Air conditioners were never needed so I don't have one. However, I bought a dehumidifier because the increase in atmospheric moisture caused the basement ceiling to drip with condensation.
Now I sleep in the basement during the summer and retreat to the basement to escape the heat on days with a humidex over 35C

[jeanettebot]

In India they paint the rooftops white. That makes a large difference in temperature inside.

[SpiritTemple]

We as humanity definitely need to adapt. We shut down schools and workplaces for extreme snow, we need to do the same for extreme heat. This documentary explains very well why we should not expect people to do 'business as usual' during a heatwave. Thank you DW!

[StormChaserAlgeria]

Algerian here
I got to say that im used to be in 45 to 55°C in summer at 85% Humidity
Either in Algeria or in Texas since im living there .
The bonus in this is that im also used to EXTREMLY cold
In alberta the max i could handle is -25°C but no more than that, i mean i can but i dont feel comfortable

[gamingtonight]

People and homes are mentioned by media, but never mentions farms, ranches and vineyards that can't grow food because of heat, floods or wildfires! According to the U.N. there are currently 13, 490 farms under water as I write!

[GratefulOutlook]

You can scream about climate change all you want but people can't see past money. It's really that simple.

[mr.craige.whittington]

By far the very best & informative, comprehensive documentary describing & explaining man-made or human-caused global warming & climate change caused heatwaves, I have ever viewed.

[DrummerBoy]

I read a few articles during the Pandemic where UK endured hellish heatwaves where people were bathing in public fountains. Major businesses had old AC systems die and people were getting heatstroke. And of course many deaths.

[topfactstv]

Thank you very much @DW Documentary for always showing us informative and educative documentaries. Hope to watching a documentary about mountain glaciers (shrinking/disappearing).

[luckm]

Kudos to those in parts of the Middle East with average temperature of 40-50 degrees Celsius for surviving and even thriving through out history.

[barbaralindhjem]

Once again, we are concentrating on 'us'. How will 'we' adapt. We can not look at increasing heat waves without looking at all life.

[quanglobaldocumentary]

The rise in heatwaves is alarming. We need to act fast to protect vulnerable people.

[adrianasoldevila]

Oregon USA here, average temperature is 68. We have four seasons each with relatively mild temperatures, however many people think it’s too “cold”.

[mikareno]

Old architecture isn’t designed for the current climate

We need to address weather modifications

[johnfowler]

Agriculture policy in countries like Spain needs to immediately embrace regenerative techniques. No bare soil, multi tiered fruit, nut and edible leaf baring trees, polycultures throughout. Or they will succumb to drought and floods.

[aprildawnsunshine]

I wonder how the breakdown of the Amoc will interact with the splitting jet stream.

[phuongrambo]

what a fascinating documentary! you really captured the urgency of heatwaves and their effects. personally, i think there’s a bit of a disconnect when it comes to addressing these issues on a global scale. while individual actions matter, it's hard to see real change without bigger systemic reforms. what are your thoughts?

[pynn]

Thanks DW. Really good collection of news items about complex, real problems we humans face. I'd like to know more about Albedo, not just "white paint helps".

[TomSmith-eqvr]

We have 11 days out of the last 30 days of high solar activity and 14days of moderate activity! Would explain the high temps!