New Report: Climate Change Added Average of 26 Days of Extreme Heat Over Last Year
As global temperatures continue to rise, a new report by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, World Weather Attribution, and Climate Central has highlighted the increasing threat of extreme heat. Over the past year, climate change has added an average of 26 extreme heat days worldwide, a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action.
Understanding the Impact The report confirms that 2023 was the hottest year on record, with almost the entire global population affected by extreme heat days caused by human-induced climate change. These findings are particularly alarming as extreme heat is one of the deadliest and most widespread climate change risks, disproportionately impacting disadvantaged communities.
Global Heatwave Crisis The current heatwave crisis in Asia is a clear example of the report’s findings. In Bangladesh alone, 57 of 64 districts are experiencing extreme heat, affecting over 120 million people. Myanmar recorded its highest temperature ever at 48.2°C, while Nepal’s Nepalgunj city has endured weeks of temperatures over 40°C. Africa has also faced long-lasting heatwaves this year.
The Deadly Effects of Extreme Heat Unlike sudden weather disasters, heatwaves kill more slowly and less visibly, often exacerbating pre-existing medical conditions. Vulnerable groups such as the young, elderly, poor, and outdoor workers are most at risk. The report estimates that tens of thousands of people have died due to extreme heat over the past year, with the true number likely much higher.
Action to Mitigate Heat National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are at the forefront of efforts to mitigate extreme heat. For example, Bangladesh recently launched its first-ever ‘Early Action Protocol,’ providing early warning messages, safe drinking water, oral saline solutions, and cooling stations to over 123,000 people. In Nepal, a detailed Heat Action Plan in Nepalgunj serves as a best-in-class example for other cities.
Why Heat Action Day Matters Heat Action Day, organized by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, draws attention to the threat of extreme heat and promotes measures to combat it. This year’s event is crucial as it comes amid an ongoing extreme heatwave affecting millions.
Expert Insights Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary-General, emphasizes, “Flooding and hurricanes may capture the headlines, but the impacts of extreme heat are equally deadly. That’s why Heat Action Day matters so much. We need to focus attention on climate change’s silent killer.”
Aditya V. Bahadur, Director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, adds, “This report provides overwhelming scientific evidence that extreme heat is a deadly manifestation of the climate crisis. It wreaks havoc on human health, critical infrastructure, the economy, agriculture, and the environment, thereby eroding gains in human development and decreasing wellbeing—especially for poor and marginalized communities in the global South.”
Conclusion The findings of this report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate action. By raising awareness and implementing adaptive strategies, we can mitigate the deadly effects of extreme heat and protect vulnerable communities. Heat Action Day serves as a pivotal moment to mobilize global efforts and focus on solutions to combat this pressing issue.
FAQs
What did the new report find about extreme heat days? The report found that climate change added an average of 26 extreme heat days globally over the past year, affecting almost the entire world’s population.
Why is extreme heat dangerous? Extreme heat can cause health issues, strain infrastructure, impact agriculture, and exacerbate existing medical conditions, often leading to fatalities. Vulnerable populations such as the young, elderly, and outdoor workers are at higher risk.
What regions are currently experiencing extreme heatwaves? Regions like Asia (Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Malaysia, Philippines) and parts of Africa have been experiencing severe heatwaves, with record temperatures and widespread impacts.
What is being done to address extreme heat? Initiatives like Heat Action Day, organized by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, aim to raise awareness and share mitigation strategies. Efforts include early warning systems, cooling stations, and community-focused adaptation plans.
How does the Climate Shift Index (CSI) relate to the findings? The CSI quantifies the influence of climate change on daily temperatures. The report used CSI to determine the number of excess heat days attributable to human-caused climate change.
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