Persian Gulf May be Too Hot for Humans by the End of This Century Due to Climate Change

The Persian Gulf may simply be too hot for humans by the end of the century. Scientists have found that regional climate model simulations show that extremes of humid temperatures around the Arabian Gulf are likely to approach and exceed a critical threshold.

In this latest study, the researchers looked at the wet-bulb temperature, which is the best measure of our ability to tolerate high temperatures, because it reflects the ability of the body to cool off by sweating. When web-bulb temperatures reach 35 degrees Celsius, the human body can no longer get rid of heat.

"The threats to human health may be much more severe than previously thought, and may occur in the current century," said Christoph Schaer, a physicist and climate modeler in the study's conclusions, according to The Washington Post.

In fact, wet-bulb temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius for extended periods of time can induce hyperthermia; humans are unable to dissipate metabolic heat.

Now, the gulf is getting close to this threshold. This is largely because high temperatures are combined with the high humidity of air moistened by the exceptionally warm waters of the gulf.

The researchers used high-resolution climate models of the Persian Gulf to examine the different scenarios for climate change over the coming decades. In the end, the researchers found that the worst hit will be the metropolises of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

The findings show as temperatures rise, it's crucial to take measures to reduce the impacts of this heat. If temperatures rise too high, it may simply be impossible to work or go outside for long periods of time.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Climate Change.

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