Plain English with Derek Thompson

The World Is on Fire. Here’s a Realistic Plan to Save Humanity.

13 snips
Jul 19, 2022
David Wallace-Wells, a New York Times writer and author of 'The Uninhabitable Earth,' dives into the dire realities of climate change. He discusses unprecedented heatwaves and the lackluster response of governments. However, there’s a silver lining: advancements in solar energy and battery tech are paving the way for a cleaner future. Wallace-Wells emphasizes the urgent need for new construction and infrastructure to adapt, while advocating for innovative solutions that can unite various political views in the fight against climate change.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Heatwave Causes

  • Heatwaves are becoming more extreme and frequent due to climate change.
  • Ocean circulation changes contribute to longer, more intense heat dome events.
INSIGHT

Heat's Impact on the Body

  • Humans are heat engines and must constantly cool off to survive.
  • Heat hinders cooling, affecting various organs, with varying individual responses.
INSIGHT

Dangerous Heat Metrics

  • Wet bulb temperature, combining heat and humidity, is the key measure of heat danger.
  • High heat and humidity, especially prolonged, severely limit outdoor activity.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app