Google's new search feature is a sign of our impending doom

Google is adding extreme heat warnings to search in an ominous sign of how humanity will have to adapt to the crippling effects of climate change.

The new alerts will appear when users search for terms such as 'heat wave' and present users with information on how long extreme temperatures are expected to last, as well as advice on what to do to stay healthy and cool. .

Google's action follows recorded temperatures that erased long-standing records in the UK and many other places last summer. On July 19 last year, the temperature reached 40,3°C (104,5°F) in the UK. The previous record was 38,7°C (101,7°F).

“To surface authoritative and useful information in these times, we are rolling out new extreme heat alerts to search in the coming months,” Google announced in a blog post today.

"When people search for information about extreme heat, they see details about when a heat wave is expected to start and end, tips for staying cool, and related health issues to consider – all displayed in prominently in search results. To ensure the information is relevant and accurate, we work with the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN). »

Google is using its artificial intelligence to work with cities to combat the heat island phenomenon, which means that urban areas can often feel extreme temperatures more…er…extremely because of structures and roads that absorb and re-radiate the heat.

One solution is a tree canopy. Google says its Environmental Insights Explorer combines AI and aerial imagery that can help cities like Austin, Texas develop emergency plans. This led the city to prioritize planting trees in vulnerable areas and increasing shade in bus shelters.

This initiative has expanded to 350 cities around the world, which Google says can help create cooler environments for hundreds of millions of people.