The current high temperatures across the European continent are revealing that traditionally cool climate locations are not adequately prepared for the heatwave. Even countries like Mexico, areas that are used to having hot days, are breaking all-time high temperature records. Climate models indicate that the world will continue to get hotter, making survival on this planet difficult not just for humans but for all species on land and in the water.
It would be great to offer expedient answers in this blog article, but the reality is that all of us will have to learn how to adapt if we are to create livable conditions. This does not mean that dealing with increasingly hotter temperatures will be easy or inexpensive. Adaptation will take time and involve considerable monetary investment to improve infrastructure, housing, commercial buildings, and transportation of perishable items like food.
Crops and livestock are being negatively affected by the higher temperatures, which will influence the cost of groceries, feedstocks, and pretty much everything else involved in the food chain. Regions that were once ideal for growing grapes for wine or growing maple trees for syrup are experiencing declines in production, even to the point of losing entire seasonal harvests.
Monumental decisions will be required to determine how to navigate our quickly changing world into a hotter future. Certain food items may become unavailable or only be viable inside controlled environments such as greenhouses. The widespread use of plants that survive harsher environments with less water may become the norm.
Together, we all face a challenge that requires creative thinking and viable solutions. Hopefully we can join forces to deal with the challenges coming our way.