Those in what has long been called the ‘temperate zone’ are well-schooled on the impact of wind chill, which measures how cold it feels when cold temperatures and wind are factored together. This February’s historically cold blast brought with it wind chills that broke records across the Northeast and threatened the life of anyone who ventured out without proper gear. But while wind chill is known to most, few are as aware of the Heat Index, a measure not just of hot temperature but of how hot those temperatures feel when humidity and other conditions are factored in. The Heat Index acts as a predictor of physical impacts every bit as deadly as wind chill.   As the planet warms, and heat waves increase in frequency, duration, and intensity, the Heat Index is about to become standard protective equipment for those venturing outdoors.

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo / Unsplash “A thousand times have I sought to find the element that makes thecharm complete… That I may bid them enter […]

In an inescapable prison, with daily torture and probable death looming, one man hashed out a paradoxical approach to survival: see the unwinnable situation exactly as it is; yet never lose faith that, in the end, you will prevail. Climate watchers are finding that this middle path, a slender slope between optimism and pessimism, is a paradox that applies perfectly to the latter Anthropocene.

Christmas trees are creatures of the forest no more. Saplings and trees by the millions are now carefully tended on dedicated Christmas-tree farms. But with heat waves becoming more frequent and intense, tree farmers are taking a beating. Luckily, both farmers and scientists have a few tricks up their sleeves.

In our innocence, we ate Cadbury Eggs, drank hot chocolate, and made S'mores by the campfire without a pang of guilt. Alas, cacao, the base material for chocolate, has proven incredibly problematic. Issues such as deforestation and child labor have persisted despite various pressure campaigns and commitments. But there is, finally, progress on both the public and private fronts. No doubt our favorite bonbons will taste that much better once these issues have been resolved, and at last there's progress.