As extreme heat envelops eastern China, students are forced to abandon their dormitories for cooler alternatives, raising concerns about living conditions amidst a changing climate.
Students Seek Refuge from Sweltering Heat in China’s Libraries and Hotels
Students Seek Refuge from Sweltering Heat in China’s Libraries and Hotels
In the face of soaring temperatures, Chinese students are finding innovative ways to cope, from camping in air-conditioned libraries to seeking shelter in hotels.
As temperatures continue to soar past 40°C (104°F) in eastern China, students are increasingly leaving their hot, stuffy dormitories in search of relief. Commonly referred to as the "dog days" of summer, this year's heatwave has caught many off guard, prompting students to camp in air-conditioned libraries or seek refuge in nearby hotels.
A 20-year-old student from Changchun shared his struggles, revealing that while checking into hotels is tempting, the expenses are often prohibitive for students. Instead, he has resorted to creating a makeshift cooling system using ice cubes and a small fan in his dormitory to manage the oppressive heat.
The extreme heat is particularly concerning following a tragic incident at Qingdao University, where a dormitory security guard was found dead, reportedly from heat-related issues. This unfortunate event has sparked discussions about the living conditions not only for students but for the staff who support them. Another student from the same university also required hospitalization due to heatstroke, emphasizing the urgent need for better campus facilities.
China has been facing worsening climate-related disasters, including extensive heatwaves and recent floods caused by typhoons. Estimates from the medical journal The Lancet indicate that severe heatwaves led to over 50,000 fatalities in 2022 alone. This summer, a video showing a man breaking a train window to allow airflow during a delay has gone viral, underscoring the dire need for air conditioning.
In response, several universities have initiated plans to install air-conditioning in dormitories, as more students express reluctance to enrol in facilities without adequate cooling. As energy demands surge, particularly during peak summer, the country grapples not only with the impacts of climate change but also with the essential resources needed to keep its population safe and comfortable in these challenging conditions.
In an environment where climate extremes are becoming the norm, both students and authority figures recognize the urgency of addressing the situation and improving living conditions to accommodate a future shaped by rising temperatures.
