A recent analysis by World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central has shown that the climate crisis caused an additional six weeks of dangerously hot days for the average person in 2024, exacerbating the impact of heatwaves around the world. Those in Caribbean and Pacific island states were disproportionately affected, with many experiencing up to 150 more days of dangerous heat than they would have without global heating.
The study found that nearly half of the world’s countries endured at least two months of high-risk temperatures, while even in less affected regions like the UK, US, and Australia, fossil fuel burning led to an extra three weeks of elevated temperatures. The effects of human-caused global heating were particularly devastating for vulnerable populations.
The researchers are calling for improved reporting on heat deaths, which they claim is a “very gross underestimate” due to the lack of monitoring. They believe that uncounted millions of people have died as a result of human-caused global heating in recent decades.
Dr. Friederike Otto, co-lead of WWA, emphasized the need for urgent action to address the climate crisis. “The impacts of fossil fuel warming have never been clearer or more devastating than in 2024 and caused unrelenting suffering,” she said. The researchers highlight that simple measures, such as better early warning systems and increased reporting on heat deaths, can save lives and raise awareness about the severity of heatwaves.
In 2024, the climate crisis also supercharged hurricanes, with every Atlantic hurricane made stronger by climate change. The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for global action to address the climate emergency and mitigate its devastating impacts.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/27/climate-crisis-dangerous-heat-2024