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Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal Heat remains unaccounted for in thermal physiology and climate change research

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal

Flouris AD, Kenny GP
2017
F1000 Research. 6: 221

In the aftermath of the Paris Agreement, there is a crucial need for scientists in both thermal physiology and climate change research to develop the integrated approaches necessary to evaluate the health, economic, technological, social, and cultural impacts of 1.5 degrees C warming. Our aim was to explore the fidelity of remote temperature measurements for quantitatively identifying the continuous redistribution of heat within both the Earth and the human body. Not accounting for the regional distribution of warming and heat storage patterns can undermine the results of thermal physiology and climate change research. These concepts are discussed herein using two parallel examples: the so-called slowdown of the Earth's surface temperature warming in the period 1998-2013; and the controversial results in thermal physiology, arising from relying heavily on core temperature measurements. In total, the concept of heat is of major importance for the integrity of systems, such as the Earth and human body. At present, our understanding about the interplay of key factors modulating the heat distribution on the surface of the Earth and in the human body remains incomplete. Identifying and accounting for the interconnections among these factors will be instrumental in improving the accuracy of both climate models and health guidelines.

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Resource Description

    Temperature, Water Quality
    • Temperature, Water Quality: Heat
    • Temperature, Water Quality: Other Water Quality, Specify
      • Other Water Quality, Specify: Water Temperature
      Water quality issue (other)
    Ocean/Coastal
    Global or Unspecified Location
    Temperature-Related Health Impact
    • Temperature-Related Health Impact: Heat-Related Health Impact
    Commentary/Opinion
    Policy, Vulnerable Population
    • Policy, Vulnerable Population: Workers
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