Jim McMahon

Things are really heating up in Qatar. Temperatures in the small, rich Middle Eastern country can top 120 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and at night, they rarely dip below 90. To help people survive the potentially deadly heat, Qatar has begun air-conditioning outside spaces, including markets, stadiums, sidewalks, and dining areas. But experts point out that this tactic is part of a vicious cycle: Using air-conditioning creates carbon emissions, which cause temperatures to rise even faster, creating an even greater need for air-conditioning. But for Qatar and other countries in the Middle East, there aren’t many options, as humans can’t survive long in extreme temperatures. “I often get asked: ‘Can we reverse whatever is happening in the climate?’” Abdulla al-Mannai, director of the Qatar Meteorology Department, told The Washington Post. “I ask: Can you turn off air-conditioning and refrigeration and stop using cars?’ Nobody will say yes.”