I spoke with Jeff Goodell, the bestselling author of The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet, on the dangers of heat waves, especially when in combination with other natural disasters.

Timestamps

4:12 - Physiological impacts of heat and how to stay safe

9:13 - Scale of heat-related deaths and illness

12:28 - What is a Hurricane Katrina of heat and how is heat a threat multiplier

17:58 - Resilience solutions for heat and extreme weather

23:52 - Maintaining hope in the face of the realities of climate change

32:43 - What will happen to frontline climate communities like Houston as climate change continues to exacerbate extreme heat and other weather conditions

36:51 - Economic costs of natural disasters

41:49 - Need for corporate and political leadership; reimaging how we structure cities and communities; strategies and technologies for mitigation and adaptation

50:08 - Climate denialism and climate nihilism

56:51 - Recommended reading and Jeff’s future research

Show Notes

The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet by Jeff Goodell

Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future by Jeff Goodell

The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World by Jeff Goodell

The Heat Wave Scenario That Keeps Climate Scientists Up at Night - New York Times Op-Ed by Jeff Goodell

Obama Takes on Climate Change: The Rolling Stone Interview with Jeff Goodell

Beryl was the weakest a hurricane could be. Why does it feel like Houston isn't the same? Article from Sarah Smith, Houston Chronicle

Heat-related mortality in Europe during the summer of 2022 - Nature Magazine

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Scorched Earth: Understanding the Deadly Impact of Heat with Jeff Goodell

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Scorched Earth: Understanding the Deadly Impact of Heat with Jeff Goodell