Result Proposition: ‘Hysteria for 2 days of heat’ | What you say

Many, especially older, respondents have memories of warm summers. “There have also been summers in the past where it was hotter than now. I remember we slept on the balcony in the 1970s because of the heat. We shouldn’t be so big on ourselves. We have become a country of nagging softies.” And another critic comments: “What hype and hysteria. Every summer you have a few warmer days. I’ve been doing that for 70 years. Now that is extensively discussed on TV and the weather maps are colored fiery red. NPO and KNMI help the government with this nonsense.”

Most participants do not agree that the extreme heat in the Netherlands, but also elsewhere in Europe, could be related to global warming. “In my 70-year experience there have also been many heat waves and this is an attempt to sow panic in favor of the climate crazies,” it sounds disapproving. Another is even more adamant: “Extreme weather is of all times. Climate alarmists believe that all the extreme weather is due to global warming. Try to cool down the ‘Climate Church’ before we pour billions of euros into a pointless bottomless pit. They are the biggest threat to our country right now.”

A few point to another natural phenomenon that can influence the climate around the world: “In the 1980s we also had a number of bone-dry hot summers, the weather changes every day and every year. But there’s a tough El Nino going on right now.”

The fact that only two days of extreme heat is expected is all the more reason for many to doubt global warming. Be that as it may, many do take precautions to avoid the heat. One respondent, for example, advises: “Keep windows and doors closed, only air in the evening and at night. For the rest: the awnings down, which must be on the outside. Then it will be really bearable at home. Do errands early in the morning. So it will be Wednesday again and then we will go back to more normal temperatures.” And another participant points out the importance of relaxation. “Just stay inside. Groceries are already in the house for the next few days. Turn on the fan and do nothing. Read a book, do puzzles. Don’t worry, it’ll be over on Wednesday”, tips one respondent, who is happy not to have to work now.

According to the majority of the participants, a tropical roster should apply to employees who do have to work these days. That means working early and finishing earlier in the afternoon, when the sun shines brightest and the temperature is at its highest. Most workers who go out also take precautions, such as clothing that is not too warm and they take water with them.

Most expect more heat waves in the future and would like to see building companies not only making houses climate neutral, but also heat or heat resistant. That means, among other things, investing much more in sun protection, green roofs and sun-resistant glass, in addition to the possible installation of air conditioning.

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