Talking About the Weather

The lazy days of summer yield to an attack of ecophobia

In an ordinary heat wave, Americans typically fume and fuss, grab relief where they can, and slog through the pestiferous weather with sweaty humor and prayers of gratitude to the great god A.C. This summer's record-busting hot spell, however, has aroused an extraordinary response. On top of the usual chafing at day after sticky day of hot, humid and hazy punishment has come a communal attack of the worries. Many Americans have found themselves concerned less about passing misery and more about the whole bruised and abused human habitat. Soggy, unremitting heat sometimes seemed a symptom of general ecological collapse. Had...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!