Japan’s heat wave is just one of many happening around the world as scientists warn extreme weather is becoming more frequent due to the worsening climate crisis. “More frequent and intense heat waves in cities are to be expected with further global warming,” said SMU Associate Professor of Science, Technology and Society Winston Chow. “I fear that for such places, this is [now] the new climate normal ... if nothing is done to adapt and mitigate the causes of climate change.” Especially worrying, Assoc Prof Chow said, was the impact of extreme heat on the elderly, who account for 28% of Japan’s population. “The elderly are biologically, physiologically predisposed to being more vulnerable to heat related injuries, and more than a quarter of Japan is above the age of 65. The risk of heat stress and stroke without any attempts to adapt would be very high in Tokyo,” Assoc Prof Chow said.