Picture of desert landscape with one human figure

Too hot to live: Millions worldwide will face unbearable temperatures

A warming climate is likely to push entire regions out of their comfort zones—and make staying cool a matter of survival.

DASHT-E LUT, IRAN

A morning traveler surveys what might be Earth’s hottest place: the Lut Desert. In 2014 French researchers measured an unofficial 142°F in the shade here—a potential world record, if repeated with standard instruments. As Earth warms, more of it may become like the Lut— inhospitable to humans.
Photograph by MATTHIEU PALEY
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