These days, many beautiful and cold countries of Europe are in the grip of extreme heat and heatwave. The mercury has crossed 40 to 45 degrees Celsius and the situation is so dangerous that more than 1300 people have been claimed dead so far. Whereas in India, with the arrival of May-June, when the mercury starts touching 45 to 50 degrees Celsius, there is not much change in the lifestyle of the people. Working people go out in the same scorching heat and there are Indians who even in this scorching heat proudly say that we drink hot tea in this too, but on the other hand, as soon as the mercury crosses 40 degrees in Europe, there is an outcry, a red alert is issued. Why is this so?
If we talk about statistics, this year’s heat has broken all records in European countries. The maximum temperature recorded in Spain was 45.1 degrees. The mercury reached 44.3 degrees in France. Whereas in cold countries like Germany and Switzerland, the temperature was recorded at 41.9, 41.7 and 40.8 degrees. If we go to June 2021, at that time the average temperature of Spain was 23.6 degrees, that of France was 20.3 degrees and that of Switzerland was only 16.5 degrees. If compared to India, there is no shocking change in the temperature between 2021 and 2026, but for Europe it is a direct ‘climate shock’.
adapt the body to the climate
Our body adapts itself to its surrounding environment, which is called ‘acclimatization’ in scientific language. The people of India have been accustomed to living in hot climates for centuries. Whereas the people of Europe have always lived in cold climate. His body was not ready to bear this sudden increase in temperature. This sudden change in weather completely disrupted their immune system and thermal regulation, due to which people started falling seriously ill.
There is a world of difference between the houses of India and Europe. In rural areas in India, houses are open, ventilated and with thatched or high roofs. Even without AC, there is cross-ventilation of air. Talking about Europe, concrete traps are made here to protect from cold. There are thick walls and double-glazed glass windows so that the heat inside cannot escape out. Now this technology has become a disaster for them. The heat of the sun locks these houses. Whereas in Europe there is no trend of installing air conditioner or cooling system. That’s why the houses here heat like ovens at night.
Why did Europe melt at 40 degrees?
Europe’s roads and railway tracks are built to withstand extreme cold and snowfall. The asphalt used in the roads there has a low melting point. Therefore, in direct sunlight of 40°C it starts melting or becoming loose.
Whereas in India, such asphalt and concrete mix is used while building roads and bridges. Which can easily absorb direct sunlight and heat ranging from 50°C to 55°C.