The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell explores the growing impact of extreme heat on people and the environment. The book delves into the science behind rising temperatures, its effects on human health, and the societal challenges posed by climate change, urging readers to recognize and address this urgent global issue for future resilience.

Informative / Unnerving / Dark / Challenging

The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell presents an urgent exploration of climate change's impact. Reviews praise its compelling narrative and thorough research, effectively raising awareness. However, some critics mention a repetitive nature and a somewhat alarmist tone. Overall, it's an eye-opening and timely read, but may not appeal to those seeking optimism.

A reader fascinated by climate science, environmental impacts, and urgent global challenges will enjoy The Heat Will Kill You First by Jeff Goodell. Comparable to Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction, it appeals to those interested in understanding the pressing realities of climate change.

**Jeff Goodell**  
An American journalist and author renowned for his work in climate journalism, focusing on the intersections of climate change, energy, and the environment. His investigative writing largely deals with the systemic forces driving the climate crisis, such as coal dependency and extreme heat.

**ExxonMobil**  
A major fossil fuel company recognized for its historical contributions to global carbon emissions, with evidence suggesting long-standing awareness of climate impacts. The company's prioritization of profit over environmental sustainability exemplifies corporate influence on climate policy.

**Friederike Otto**  
A climate scientist noted for her contributions to extreme event attribution, linking specific extreme weather events to human-caused climate change. Her research provides evidence-based attributions for phenomena like heat waves, enhancing public understanding and potential legal accountability.

**Harold Goodman**  
The founder of Goodman Manufacturing, who played a crucial role in making air-conditioning accessible, drastically altering living and working conditions in heat-prone U.S. regions. His business efforts accelerated the growth of Sun Belt cities and contributed to fossil-fuel dependency.

**Sebastian Perez**  
A Guatemalan immigrant who moved to Oregon seeking economic opportunities, working in outdoor agricultural labor. His death from heatstroke during a severe heatwave highlights the vulnerabilities of labor-intensive workers to climate-induced health risks.

**Jonathan Gerrish, Ellen Chung, Miju, and Oski**  
A family who perished while hiking in extreme heat conditions in California’s Sierra National Forest. Their experience underscores the dangers of rising temperatures, even during routine outdoor activities, and serves as a cautionary tale about the impacts of climate change.

**David Keith**  
A Canadian climate scientist known for researching solar radiation management as a geoengineering approach to combat global warming. His work explores the potential and ethical complexities of using technology to intervene in the Earth's climate system.

Jeff Goodell

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Heat Will Kill You First and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Heat Will Kill You First Summary and Study Guide

Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 2

The Heat Will Kill You First Prologue-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-5

The Heat Will Kill You First Chapters 3-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-8

The Heat Will Kill You First Chapters 6-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-11

The Heat Will Kill You First Chapters 9-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 12-Afterword

The Heat Will Kill You First Chapter 12-Afterword Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

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Themes

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Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Heat Will Kill You First?

Reading Age

Book Details