What temperature cause weather issues to arise
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In a recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers have warned that the time available for many higher forms of life to adapt to climate change is rapidly diminishing. The study, with the DOI 10.1016/S2542-5196(21)00079-6, highlights that by the end of the century, 45 to 70 percent of the global land area could be affected by climate conditions in which humans require technological support to survive.
The study, led by Prof. Asseng, concludes that many living things could be severely affected or even disappear completely from Earth due to temperature change. This includes not only humans but also livestock, poultry, agricultural crops, and other living organisms.
For humans, the comfortable temperature range is between 17 to 24 degrees Celsius. However, mild heat strain begins at about 23 degrees Celsius with high humidity and 27 degrees Celsius with low humidity. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius at extremely high humidity or above 45 degrees Celsius at extremely low humidity can be fatal for humans. During extreme heat events, people may require technical support such as air-conditioned spaces to survive.
The future population may experience chronic heat stress, with 44 to 75 percent of the human population potentially being affected. This could lead to reduced growth in livestock, which means both lower yields and reproductive performance. For example, at 37 degrees Celsius and above, chickens experience severe heat stress, and their egg laying rate declines. Similarly, the milk yield from cows can decrease by 10 to 20 percent when exposed to heat stress.
Interestingly, some breeds of chickens are more heat tolerant than others. For instance, Transylvanian naked chickens, due to a complex genetic mutation that suppresses feather growth, are more resilient to high temperatures.
Cattle and pigs also suffer heat strain at 24 degrees Celsius with high humidity and 29 degrees Celsius with low humidity. This reduced their productivity and overall health.
Currently, 12 percent of the global land area requires technological support for human survival due to climate conditions. If current climate trends persist, this number is expected to increase significantly.
The study serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on our planet's diverse ecosystems. It emphasizes the importance of adapting our living conditions and agricultural practices to ensure the survival and well-being of humans and animals alike.
