Scientists warn that a global temperature rise of 2°C could significantly increase the area experiencing dangerous heat, particularly threatening North Africa and South Asia. The study indicates a dramatic escalation in heatwaves affecting human endurance, with particular risks for vulnerable populations, especially those over 60 years. Over 1,300 individuals died from heat at the hajj pilgrimage in 2022, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Recent studies indicate that global warming may lead to severe heat levels across vast territories, potentially affecting areas equivalent to the size of the United States. Researchers have highlighted an alarming increase in heatwaves, which pose significant risks to human survival. Notably, in 2022, over 1,300 individuals perished during the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to extreme temperatures reaching 51.8°C (125°F).
A research article in the journal Nature Reviews Earth and Environment focused on the impacts of excessive heat on human physiology. Their findings reveal that unsafe temperature levels—both dangerous and unsurvivable—could expand significantly, particularly endangering populations in North Africa and South Asia. The study observed that between 1994 and 2023, hazardous heat conditions affected 2% of the global land area for individuals under 60, increasing to approximately 20% for the elderly.
Lead author Tom Matthews emphasized the dire implications of rising temperatures, indicating that a global increase of 2°C could triple the unsafe regions for younger individuals to about 6%. Furthermore, older adults could face risks on up to one-third of the Earth’s landmass. The phenomenon of unsurvivable heat conditions, which have typically only impacted the older population, could soon threaten younger adults in severely warm climates.
Matthews warns that even brief exposure to extreme heat can lead to lethal heatstroke, classifying this as a severe public health concern. Heat stress occurs when the body’s natural cooling systems become overwhelmed, resulting in symptoms ranging from headaches to organ failure and potential death. Moreover, elevated humidity levels can exacerbate these risks drastically, impeding the body’s ability to cool down.
Europe has witnessed significant fatalities due to heatwaves, including over 70,000 deaths reported in 2003 and around 60,000 in 2022. Asia also experiences substantial casualties from extreme heat, with thousands succumbing during the heatwaves in India and Pakistan in 2015. Unfortunately, data from Africa regarding heat-related deaths remains largely under-reported, although incidents of extreme heat continue in locations such as Nigeria.
The study underscores the increasing severity of global warming and its direct impacts on public health, particularly through extreme heat events. Research has indicated that rising global temperatures could lead to conditions that exceed the human body’s resilience, making it crucial to understand the widespread implications of climate change. This is especially pertinent as countries around the world grapple with the consequences of exceeding temperature thresholds set by the Paris climate agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C. In the context of climate change, heat stress is defined as the strain on the body when environmental temperatures, coupled with humidity, impede the ability to regulate core temperature. This has historically resulted in significant mortality rates during extreme heat events. Therefore, understanding these thresholds is vital for developing strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
In summary, the extensive research reveals alarming predictions concerning the expansion of areas subject to extreme heat due to global warming. As conditions worsen, vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, face escalating dangers, necessitating urgent global action to mitigate climate risks. Future climate strategies must prioritize efforts to manage heat-related health impacts effectively, ensuring public safety as temperatures continue to rise.
Original Source: www.cp24.com
