Japan is suffering from one of its worst heat waves in 147 years. Deaths have devastated Japan while the number of hospitalizations has risen to 4,500, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Vulnerable senior citizens make up most of those patients, and Japan’s population.
On Saturday, Japan’s capital, Tokyo, hit an eight-day streak of temperatures over 95 degrees, one that has not been hit since record-keeping began (1875). Prior to this, another city, Isesaki, hit 104 degrees, almost shattering another record. Officials are issuing heat alerts for citizens to stay indoors and carry umbrellas around when exposed to the sun.
This has caused a power shortage as the high temperatures have put the power grid under strain. Citizens are being told to avoid power usage unless for air conditioning. What makes Japan’s situation difficult is its dependence on liquefied natural gas, one that is hard to get now that Japan has shut most nuclear plants and reduced carbon emissions. This forces the Tohoku Electric Power Company to advise, “save as much power as possible.”
Masks have been a necessity in Japan since Covid, but this heat wave gives the choice to sacrifice one health precaution for another. Deputy cabinet secretary Seiji Kihara says, “I’d like to ask people to take their masks off when walking, jogging, and cycling to work.” Heat stroke or covid, citizens can choose.
As the record-breaking heat wave continues, the citizens of Japan are told to stay home with air conditioning while others are hospitalized. But, Japan’s Ministry of Economy says, “the heat is expected to be reduced next week, and the power demand will also be less.” Citizens of Japan have felt the effects, and others have found light. The end is near but toughing it out is not worth the risk.
Link to Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/world/asia/japan-heat-wave.html
On Saturday, Japan’s capital, Tokyo, hit an eight-day streak of temperatures over 95 degrees, one that has not been hit since record-keeping began (1875). Prior to this, another city, Isesaki, hit 104 degrees, almost shattering another record. Officials are issuing heat alerts for citizens to stay indoors and carry umbrellas around when exposed to the sun.
This has caused a power shortage as the high temperatures have put the power grid under strain. Citizens are being told to avoid power usage unless for air conditioning. What makes Japan’s situation difficult is its dependence on liquefied natural gas, one that is hard to get now that Japan has shut most nuclear plants and reduced carbon emissions. This forces the Tohoku Electric Power Company to advise, “save as much power as possible.”
Masks have been a necessity in Japan since Covid, but this heat wave gives the choice to sacrifice one health precaution for another. Deputy cabinet secretary Seiji Kihara says, “I’d like to ask people to take their masks off when walking, jogging, and cycling to work.” Heat stroke or covid, citizens can choose.
As the record-breaking heat wave continues, the citizens of Japan are told to stay home with air conditioning while others are hospitalized. But, Japan’s Ministry of Economy says, “the heat is expected to be reduced next week, and the power demand will also be less.” Citizens of Japan have felt the effects, and others have found light. The end is near but toughing it out is not worth the risk.
Link to Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/world/asia/japan-heat-wave.html
