The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet

Goodell critiques current infrastructure, policies, and systems for failing to manage the increasing impacts of rising temperatures, naming political inertia and regulatory resistance as major obstacles to climate protection. Despite well-documented dangers, political leaders have failed to implement comprehensive policies, particularly in labor protections, to safeguard the public. For instance, even with a widespread understanding of the risks for outdoor workers, “no federal rules” in the US require essential safeguards like water (118), shade, or breaks.

Goodell attributes this lack of regulation to political reluctance to burden industries, particularly agriculture and construction, that depend on outdoor labor. Legislators frequently yield to lobbying pressure from influential industry groups, which argue that stricter regulations would increase costs and impact profits. This prioritization of economic interests over public health exemplifies entrenched political inertia, where leaders sacrifice long-term worker safety for short-term economic gains. Goodell contends that until legislators recognize the hidden costs of inaction—such as heat-related illnesses and fatalities—meaningful progress will remain stalled.

The fragmented global response to climate-driven food insecurity further illustrates political interests hindering climate action. Countries often respond to heatwave-induced crop failures with protectionist measures like export restrictions, further destabilizing food supplies. For instance, Goodell cites India’s decision to restrict wheat exports after a severe heatwave, which protected domestic supplies but disrupted global markets, leaving import-dependent nations vulnerable.