Pieter Vancamp
Neurobiologist and physiology specialist affiliated with the French Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE)
The scorching summer of 2022 left a devastating trail of 61,000 lives lost across Europe, illustrating the human body's vulnerability to extreme heat. But amidst this tragedy arises a compelling question: how does the human body defy incineration under the assault of a 40°C summer sun? What arsenal of defences does it wield to brave such extreme conditions? Let's discover an incredible journey through the body and its perfectionated physiology to safeguard our survival regardless of the temperature's merciless whims. It is a breathtaking showcase of nature's ingenuity.
Yet, even the most formidable defences have their breaking points. When does this finely tuned orchestra falter, and how does the scorching heat transform from a mere discomfort to a lethal threat? In the light of climate change, these questions loom large. With record-breaking temperatures signalling the onslaught of more frequent and severe heatwaves, one cannot help but wonder: can our bodies endure the relentless march towards a hotter world? And how can we best anticipate to protect ourselves and our peers?
