Scientists say human-caused climate change led to an average of 41 extra days of dangerous heat worldwide in 2024, exacerbating devastating weather events that claimed thousands of lives and disrupted millions.
Researchers from World Weather Attribution and Climate Central analyzed global temperatures this year, comparing them to expected levels without climate change. The results show some areas experienced over 150 days of extreme heat due to climate change.
Lead scientist Friederike Otto warns that as long as the world burns fossil fuels, climate change will worsen. “The poorest countries are experiencing even higher numbers,” said Kristina Dahl, Climate Central’s vice president of climate science.
Climate-related deaths are often underreported, with heat waves being the deadliest extreme event. Scientists say 26 of 29 extreme weather events this year had clear links to climate change, killing at least 3,700 people and displacing millions.
The analysis comes as the world edges closer to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degrees Celsius warming limit, surpassing it soon unless sustained over decades. The researchers attribute most extreme weather events to climate change, fueled by warm ocean waters and warmer air.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/climate-change-dangerous-heat-extreme-weather-2024