Researchers are investigating how humans deal with extreme heat.

One thing is for sure, scientists say: The heat waves of the past two decades are not good predictors of the risks that will confront us in the decades to come. Already, the link between greenhouse-gas emissions and sweltering temperatures is so clear that some researchers say there may soon no longer be any point trying to determine whether today’s most extreme heat waves could have happened two centuries ago, before humans started warming the planet. None of them could have.

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When the mercury is high, we aren’t as effective at work. Our thinking and motor functions are impaired. Excessive heat is also associated with greater crime, anxiety, depression and suicide.

Being cooked isn’t good for us. Who knew?

Dr. Venugopal gets frustrated when asked, about her research on Indian workers, “India is a hot country, so what’s the big deal?”

Seriously. I get frustrated by that and similar questions and remarks too. “We’re just not used to it, to people in India this is nothing.” Wrong. People can “get used to” things that are bad for them.

Nobody asks what the big deal is about having a fever, but heatstroke puts the body in a similar state.“

That is human physiology,” Dr. Venugopal said. “You can’t change that.”

What I keep saying.