Lethal humidity is becoming a serious concern, especially for countries like Indonesia. A new report warns that rising heat and humidity levels could pose severe risks to health and safety. Dr. Robert Glasser, a senior fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, emphasizes the urgent need for action.
The Impact of Heat and Humidity
Heat stress is already a major health threat. In Australia, heatwaves cause more deaths than any other natural disaster, claiming hundreds of lives during each event. Notably, children and adults over 65 are the most vulnerable. Dr. Glasser points out that annual heat-related deaths in Australia exceed those during the Vietnam War—about five times more.
Indonesia’s Vulnerability
Indonesia is at ground zero for these climate dangers. With high humidity year-round, the country faces rapid worsening conditions. Dr. Glasser highlights that Indonesia experiences the fastest sea-level rise, which compounds the risks of natural disasters. He notes, “It’s remarkable what an overlapping centre of climate hazards Indonesia is,” stressing the need for regional awareness and action.
The Broader Regional Impact
As conditions worsen, Australian policymakers must prepare for potential impacts. Displacement from disasters and food insecurity are real threats. Dr. Glasser warns, “The impacts affecting us directly will likely be greater as temperatures and humidity continue to rise.”
Personal Health Risks
High humidity hampers the body’s ability to cool down through sweating. When air already holds moisture, the body redirects blood away from internal organs to the skin, aiming to cool down. This can lead to serious health issues, including organ failure and even death.
A 2010 study published in PNAS found that humans cannot survive for long at a “wet bulb temperature” of 35 degrees Celsius. In real terms, if the temperature is 40 degrees with 75% humidity, the wet bulb temperature reaches 36 degrees—just shy of deadly.
A Global Threat
Dr. Glasser’s report predicts that by the end of the century, 50-75% of the global population could be exposed to lethal humidity. He warns that this trend is not just an environmental issue but demands a comprehensive policy response. Billionaire Andrew Forrest supports this view, emphasizing that high humidity can push entire regions beyond human survival limits.
Moving Forward
To adapt, urgent research is needed into how livability will change as humidity levels rise. Adaptation planning for coastal cities and countries at risk should be prioritized. As Dr. Glasser says, “This isn’t a threat we can isolate ourselves from… we can reduce the risks in Australia, but the growing risks outside our borders are significant.”
Understanding the urgent nature of these issues can shape better policies and community responses to combat climate change effectively.
