The Science of Cold: Why Do We Feel Temperature Differently?

Why do some people embrace the winter while others find it unbearable? This episode of 6 Minute English explores the complex factors that influence our individual experiences of cold, ranging from biological differences to cultural habits and environmental adaptation.

The Primary Determinants of Cold Tolerance

According to Professor Gunnhild Sartran, who resides in the extreme environment of Svalbard, the factors influencing how we perceive cold are multifaceted. "First and foremost," she notes, gender plays a significant role. The phrase first and foremost is used to emphasize that a specific factor—in this case, gender—is the most important consideration among many. While there is ongoing debate, research suggests that men may be more tolerant of the cold, meaning they are better able to endure low temperatures without adverse effects compared to women.

Beyond biology, familiarity is crucial. If you are used to cold environments, your body and mind are conditioned to handle them. This is not merely a matter of clothing, but of how acclimated one is to living in freezing conditions.

Insights from Reindeer Herders

Dr. Kara Okobok’s research on reindeer herders in northern Finland provides a deeper look into physical and psychological adaptations. When asked if these herders deal better with the cold, the answer is yes and no. This idiom is used when a situation is complex and cannot be answered with a simple binary response.

While there is no clear-cut physiological superiority, the herders demonstrate a significant psychological advantage. Subjectively—that is, based on their personal inner experience rather than objective external facts—the herders handle the cold far better than the average person. They report feeling less cold and are physically less likely to shiver. Shivering is defined as the involuntary shaking movement of muscles, a biological mechanism triggered to generate heat when the body is exposed to low temperatures.

Conclusion: A Combination of Factors

Ultimately, our experience of cold is a combination of genetics, cultural upbringing, and environmental adaptation. Whether it is the cold climates of Finland or the record-breaking lows of Antarctica—where temperatures have plummeted to minus 89 degrees Celsius—how we survive and perceive these extremes is a testament to human adaptability. Understanding these differences helps explain why, even in the same room, one person might be reaching for a woolly hat while another remains perfectly comfortable in a t-shirt.