What is a heat wave? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice explore the massive heat waves that have been sweeping the world with Director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Gavin Schmidt. Learn what qualifies something as a heat wave. We break down the extreme heat happening globally and the pressure it's been putting on current infrastructure. Why exactly are we seeing more of the extreme heat? We get into the jet stream and wave patterns in the Earth’s atmosphere. Why do we pay attention to extreme heat in some regions but not others? Will someplace become unlivable? Finally, learn about the last ice age and what sorts of changes our climate is facing. What’s our heat limit? Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson 0:00 - Introduction 1:29 - NASA GISS 3:26 - What is a Heatwave? 5:08 - UK Heatwave 7:15 - Climate Change 10:31 - Climate Variability 14:00 - Global Temperatures 21:06 - Dangers of Climate Change 23:07 - Closing Notes