Jeff Goodell: The Heat Will Kill You First

As devastating as climate change is, there's an unexpected upside that has quietly emerged: the incredible literature it inspires. Over the past few months, I’ve found myself buried in an array of fantastic non-fiction and fiction books that revolve around this theme. Works such as Fire Weather by John Vaillant, The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle, and The Deluge by Stephen Markley have brought the realities of climate change to life in a way that equations and data do not.

One book I've been especially eager to get my hands on is Jeff Goodell's The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet (order your copy here). I first discovered Jeff's writing in Rolling Stone with his masterpiece Goodbye, Miami. Since then, I've made a point to follow his work, as his thoughtful examinations of climate change impacts have consistently struck a chord with me.

Extreme heat is a fascinating topic, and I’ve previously written about how it can become deadly. But there's a clear distinction between understanding the science behind heat and grasping what it truly means for our daily lives. That's where Jeff’s book really shines.

Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting a virtual sit-down with Jeff, where we discussed his highly anticipated book. Here it is:

Jeff’s book is more than just an enlightening read; it's a crucial resource for understanding the dire implications of extreme heat. By shedding light on the very real threats posed by escalating temperatures, it serves to impart urgency to address climate change. It's time to see the heat not just as an uncomfortable inconvenience, but as a looming crisis that demands attention and action.