Surviving Extreme Temperatures: How Humans Adapt To Harsh Climates

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The Science of Cold Survival:
Humans are naturally tropical beings, yet they have adapted to endure severe cold through behavioral strategies and physiological responses. Understanding how our bodies react to low temperatures is key to preventing serious cold-related injuries.

How the Body Responds to Cold:
When temperatures drop, the body focuses on protecting its core temperature (37°C or 98.6°F) to ensure vital organs remain functional. It diverts blood from extremities like fingers, toes, and ears to the core. While this strategy helps protect the heart, brain and other vital organs, prolonged blood loss to the extremities can result in frostbite, causing cell death and potential loss of body parts. Example: In extreme cold environments, mountaineers are advised to wear insulated gloves and thermal socks to reduce the risk of frostbite.

Impact of Cold Exposure:
Mild Cold: When the surrounding temperature drops below 25°C (77°F), people start feeling chilly. Shivering occurs to generate body heat. The lowest temperature that can be endured is a combination of the duration and the extent ...
... of the exposure , so it is not easily determined. A naked person will start to feel cold if the surrounding temperature drops below around 25°C (77°F). Physiological responses like shivering and diverting blood away from the extremities and surface of the skin will kick in.
Normal Human Body core temperature is 37°C, 38°C is a fever making you feel very uncomfortable and 40°C is life-threatening requiring immediate medical intervention. If your core body temperature drops below normal temperature, at 36°C you will start to shiver and feel very cold, by 35°C the cold feeling is very intense, the skin may feel numb and have a blue/grey tinge as a result of diverted blood flow. The range of body core temperatures we can function properly is narrow, making cold exposure potentially dangerous if not managed carefully.

Severe Cold: If our internal body temperature drops below 36°C (96.8°F), shivering intensifies. When it drops below 35°C (95°F), numbness, blue skin tone, and disorientation may occur signaling hypothermia. These physiological responses mean that a reasonably well-nourished adult can maintain their core temperature in still air just above freezing point with only light clothing, though they will feel cold and shivery.
For example, A skier stranded in cold weather must stay dry and limit exposure to wind to prevent rapid heat loss.

Cold Adaptation and Behavioral Changes:

People living in colder regions gradually adapt through changes in metabolism and behavior. Practices such as taking cold showers or spending time in cooler conditions can increase cold tolerance. Example: People in Scandinavian countries frequently practice cold plunges and saunas to build cold endurance.

Surviving Extreme Heat:

Extreme heat has become increasingly common and poses a serious risk to human health. Heatwaves are associated with cardiovascular stress, respiratory complications, and accelerated aging.

How the Body Reacts to Heat:

1. Mild Heat: The body cools itself through sweating. Staying hydrated and seeking shade is essential.

2. Severe Heat: Prolonged exposure above 40°C (104°F) can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition requiring immediate medical intervention.

For example, During intense heat waves, people are advised to reduce outdoor activities, especially between noon and 3 PM when temperature peaks.

Heat Driven Lifestyle Changes:
In response to rising global temperatures, people are modifying their routines:

Outdoor groups in Florida shifted their activities indoors during extreme heat.

In China, rising temperatures correlated with an increase in food delivery orders and fewer outdoor social gatherings.

The Bigger Picture: Climate and Health
Cold weather currently accounts for more deaths than heat, often linked to respiratory infections and extended indoor exposure. However, rising global temperatures are projected to increase heat-related illnesses and deaths if adaptation is not effectively implemented. Dealing with extreme weather can take a toll on mental well-being. At ImPerfect Psychotherapy(https://imperfect.co.in/), we offer tailored therapy sessions to help you cope with anxiety, stress, and emotional struggles linked to climate change and environmental uncertainties.

– Krupa Abraham