1962/63 was the coldest winter since 1740 and probably beyond that. We would cope if we had another winter like that we would have to otherwise you might as well say thats it folks were doomed- people adapt and many may be able to work from home. Actually last year I got used to the cold . One statistic which is strange and great,fewer elderly people died of Hypothermia last winter (coldest for more than 31 years than in the last 10 previous winters. My theory is elderly people( I will be one sooner rather than later)forget to put on extra layers when the temps are marginally cold but when it really does get cold friends, family, neighbors make sure they are OK.