I'm surprised that it never occurred to me that Saudi Arabia is going to be one of the first places on earth that will be uninhabitable. It is impossible to exaggerate the magnitude of the tragedy--the damage to world culture--it will be when Islam's holiest sites are too hot for human life. An absolutely irreplaceable loss. For everybody, not just muslims.<p>And man, we are not far off. If you have a temperature of 103 degrees, it is recommended you go to the doctor. If you have a temperature of 108 degrees, you risk permanent brain damage.<p>The human body cools itself by sweating--the evaporating water carries off the excess heat. But this process stops working at 95 degrees if the humidity is 50% or higher. 120 degrees and above it just stops working. You either find air conditioning or you literally (not metaphorically or hyperbolically--literally) cook to death.<p>Currently, the earth is warming at a rate of 1/3 degree per decade. Already it is dangerous to do the Hajj. The time when it will be impossible is IMMINENT. We simply can't let this happen.