How to keep cool

In this episode, *The Guardian* delves into the realities of recent heatwaves, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to cope with rising temperatures. The conversation opens with anecdotes about personal hacks to stay cool, like using ice packs or wet towels. The key guest, Tom Greenhill, an engineer and specialist in adapting buildings for heatwaves, introduces the concept of the Heatwave Toolkit, which offers strategies for individuals and households to combat the heat. He categorizes these strategies into three pillars: Stop the Sun, Let Cool Air Flow, and Slow Down. Under 'Stop the Sun,' he stresses the effectiveness of external shading and shares creative DIY hacks, such as using bed sheets. The discussion then shifts to the importance of letting cool air flow in strategically, especially during cooler nights. Greenhill also highlights the dual benefits of heat pumps in heating and cooling homes. He underscored the need for societal behavioral change during heatwaves, as cognitive performance and physical endurance decline with rising temperatures. The episode wraps up with insights from Europe Environment Correspondent, Ajit Niranjan, who elaborates on the grave impacts of heatwaves in Europe, showcasing the disparity in resources and preparedness between different regions. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for societal adaptations to increasingly hot conditions as climate change intensifies.