By Matt Underwood Japan sees a new record high temperature of 41.2°C, and it’s a stark reminder of the changing climate. This isn’t just a number; it represents a significant shift in the weather patterns that Japan, and the world, have come to know. The implications are wide-ranging, and the situation is definitely something we need to pay attention to.
This blistering temperature, coupled with Japan’s already high humidity, creates a dangerous combination. When you factor in that humidity, the “feels like” temperature becomes far more brutal. Some people are saying that this can lead to “lethal wet bulb temperatures,” which are essentially the measures of how well a body can cool itself in the environment through sweating. This can lead to some very real health risks. People are talking about potentially uninhabitable summers in Japan before the end of this century.
It’s worth noting that Kyoto also reached 40°C for the first time on record, which shows how widespread the heat is becoming. We’re seeing extreme heat in places where it wasn’t previously this intense, and this highlights the seriousness of the climate crisis and where we might be headed.
This is hitting people where they live, and it’s understandable that they’re seeing the need to adjust travel plans, or even start thinking about the future of their families. It is not surprising that people are saying that visiting Japan in the summer might not be a great idea, and instead suggesting the spring and fall. It’s just become too hot.
The irony here is that Japan is a major importer of fossil fuels, which are a significant contributor to climate change. Some people are suggesting that the country needs to accelerate its transition away from these sources of energy. This is something that is being actively questioned, and people are pointing out the fact that Japan has the world’s leading funder of climate science denial, making it even more concerning.
There’s also a debate about the role of electric vehicles (EVs) in Japan, given their environmental benefits. While Japan has a good public transportation system, the lack of widespread EV adoption is a point of contention for some, who view it as a missed opportunity. Some have observed that Japanese consumers aren’t satisfied with the charging speeds and infrastructure for EVs, which might be a factor, as well as the way they handle parking in much of the country.
While some areas, like parts of Canada and Italy, have experienced cooler temperatures this summer, this does not negate the larger trend. The variability in weather patterns is becoming more pronounced, a sign of climate change. The jet stream, which guides weather systems, is becoming more unstable, causing more extreme shifts in temperature. This results in more extreme heat in some regions, and colder weather in others.
We also see that this impacts even the smallest things, like gardens. One person mentioned visibly reduced pollinators and crispy tomatoes because of the heat. This has an impact on food security. As global temperatures continue to rise, this could become more and more common, affecting biodiversity and crop production.
Finally, the human element can’t be ignored. The long-term consequences of climate change are alarming. There’s a growing sentiment that the current trajectory could lead to serious problems, including the displacement of populations, and harm to biodiversity and the oceans. This underscores the need for action to mitigate the effects of climate change.