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By Vivek Saini
In a stark illustration of the growing severity of climate change, June 2024 witnessed nearly five billion people worldwide enduring unprecedented extreme heat. This extraordinary heatwave, driven predominantly by human-induced climate change, encompassed a staggering 60% of the global population, underscoring the urgent need for decisive climate action. According to Climate Central, the severe heat events during this period were a direct consequence of over a century of fossil fuel combustion, significantly increasing the likelihood and intensity of such extreme weather conditions. A report from Climate Central reveals the widespread impacts, from health crises and infrastructural strains to economic disruptions, illustrating the multifaceted challenges posed by these escalating climatic events.
Global Impact of the Heatwave
From June 16 to June 24, extreme temperatures were recorded across the globe, with India bearing the brunt of the heat. In India alone, 619 million people faced severe heat conditions, leading to over 40,000 suspected cases of heat stroke and more than 100 deaths. The intense heatwave overwhelmed water supplies and power grids, particularly in Delhi, which experienced 40 consecutive days of temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
Other countries also faced severe impacts. China saw 579 million people affected, while Indonesia and Nigeria had 231 million and 206 million, respectively, enduring the extreme heat. Brazil, Bangladesh, the United States, and several European countries also reported significant heatwaves. For instance, temperatures in parts of Rajasthan, India, soared past 50 degrees Celsius, causing nighttime temperatures to hover around 35 degrees Celsius.
Attribution to Climate Change
Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index (CSI) revealed that extreme temperatures were at least three times more likely to occur due to climate change, a change largely driven by human activity. Andrew Pershing, the chief program officer at Climate Central, highlighted the role of over a century of fossil fuel burning in making such heatwaves more frequent and intense. He stressed the need for immediate reductions in carbon emissions to prevent these ‘unnatural disasters’ from becoming the norm.
Regional Highlights:
India: India faced one of its most prolonged and hottest heat waves. In addition to the health impacts, the heat strained infrastructure, causing severe water and power shortages. Delhi, for instance, reported around 60 heat-related deaths, and temperatures in Rajasthan exceeded 50° Celsius.
Saudi Arabia: The extreme heat during the annual Haj pilgrimage resulted in over 1,300 deaths, and temperatures have been consistently high due to climate change. Mecca experienced temperatures at least three times more likely due to climate change every day since May 18 and five times more likely since May 24.
United States: The country’s southern regions and Mexico experienced two consecutive heatwaves. Mexico saw at least 125 deaths, with temperatures reaching 52 degrees Celsius in Sonora state on June 21. A study by the World Weather Attribution group found that climate change made the extreme heat of May and June 35 times more likely.
Broader Implications
The widespread nature of the June heatwave highlights the global reach and severity of climate change. In Nigeria, for instance, 206 million people were affected, while in Ethiopia, 121 million faced extreme heat. Brazil saw 176 million people impacted, and Europe had 152 million individuals enduring the heat. These figures demonstrate climate change-induced heatwaves’ extensive and varied impact on regions affecting developed and developing countries .
The high temperatures have also led to a surge in energy consumption, putting additional stress on power grids. In Egypt, high temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius have caused increased energy use, prompting the government to impose daily power cuts to prevent overloading the electrical grid. The southern province of Aswan reported at least 40 heat-related deaths.
References:
https://www.climatecentral.org/report/global-heat-review-june-2024
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Photo by Raghavendra V. Konkathi on Unsplash
