More than 60% of the world’s population has experienced extreme heat this summer due to climate change caused by the burning of oil, gas and coal, as well as deforestation.
5 billion people were affected by the heatwave from June 16-24
In Europe, scientists and health services are monitoring the coming summer months for signs of a new season of extreme heat after finding that heat-related deaths on the continent have risen by 30% in the past 20 years.
According to the latest study by Climate Central researchers, the strongest heat waves affected:
● 619 million people in India
● 579 million people in China
● 231 million people in Indonesia
● 206 million people in Nigeria
● 176 million people in Brazil
● 171 million people in Bangladesh
● 165 million people in the United States
● 152 million people in Europe (excluding Russia)
● 123 million people in Mexico
● 121 million people in Ethiopia
● 103 million people in Egypt
Hundreds of people died due to temperatures over 50°C.
In Saudi Arabia, at least 1,300 people died of heat-related illnesses during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Temperatures were extremely high, with some cities exceeding 50°C. Climate Central’s analysis found that the city of Mecca faces at least three times as likely increased temperatures due to climate change every day since May 18 and five times as likely since May 24. An earlier analysis by climate researchers at Climameter found that the change, caused by the burning of oil, gas and coal, made Saudi Arabia’s heatwave hotter by up to 2.5°C.
The US experienced two consecutive heatwaves in the last two weeks of June.
The first heat wave affected the southern part of the country, Mexico and Central American countries. In Mexico, at least 125 people have died. On June 21, temperatures reached 52°C in the state of Sonora. A study by the World Weather Attribution Group found that climate change has made extreme heat in May and June 35 times more likely.
Extreme temperatures are also affecting the Copa America soccer tournament. An assistant referee collapsed due to the heat during the match between Peru and Canada, when temperatures reached 38°C and humidity exceeded 50%.
In India, one of the country’s worst and longest-lasting heat waves, which finally ended in mid-June, caused heatstroke in more than 40,000 people, with more than 100 deaths. Temperatures approached 50°C with a nighttime low of 37°C, the highest ever recorded in India.
In Egypt, high temperatures of almost 50°C have been recorded in recent days. In the southern province of Aswan, at least 40 people died. The high temperatures caused a spike in power consumption across the country, and the government was forced to impose daily blackouts to avoid overloading the power grid.
Until carbon pollution ends, heat waves everywhere will continue to get hotter and more dangerous, the study says.
Dr. Andrew Pershing, VP of Science at Climate Central, said: “More than a century of burning coal, oil and natural gas has given us an increasingly dangerous world. The heat waves occurring around the world this summer are unnatural disasters that will become increasingly common until carbon pollution stops.”
The National Institute of Public Health in Romania reports a 30% increase in emergency calls related to heat stress, dehydration and respiratory problems.
Heat waves can have a number of adverse health effects, including:
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Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which require immediate medical attention.
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Respiratory Problems: High temperatures and increased air pollution can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Cardiovascular Problems: Heat waves put extra strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.
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Dehydration and Kidney Problems: Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, affecting kidney function and overall health.
