Extreme heat is a major threat to global health, causing more deaths than any other weather disaster. The recent rise in temperatures has led to devastating consequences, including deaths, blackouts, and drought conditions worldwide. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has issued a call-to-action to world leaders to address the urgent issue of extreme heat.
Guterres emphasized the need to protect the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with preexisting health conditions, as they are most at risk from extreme heat. He also highlighted the importance of implementing stronger protections for workers who are exposed to high temperatures on the job. A report from the International Labour Organization revealed that over 70% of the global workforce is exposed to excess heat, resulting in the death of 4,200 workers during heat waves in 2020.
Furthermore, Guterres urged leaders to prioritize economic resilience by utilizing the best available data and science to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat on infrastructure, agriculture, water supplies, health systems, electric grids, and worker productivity. Additionally, he stressed the importance of addressing the root cause of rising temperatures by striving to limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
The impact of extreme heat is becoming more severe, with last year being recorded as the hottest on record. Scientists predict that 2024 will surpass this record, with June marking the 13th consecutive month of breaking global temperature records. Since 2014, each year has ranked among the hottest on Earth, highlighting the ongoing trend of rising temperatures.
Despite extreme heat being the deadliest weather-related killer globally, it has historically received less attention and resources compared to other climate-related disasters. However, there is a growing awareness of the risks posed by intensifying heat waves, leading to increased efforts to address the issue. Several cities have appointed chief heat officers and implemented initiatives to reduce urban temperatures and protect residents during heat waves.
Low-income and developing nations are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat, but wealthy nations are also experiencing the effects of rising temperatures. Guterres emphasized the need for increased global financing for heat adaptation and climate mitigation to address the growing threat of extreme heat.
In conclusion, the call-to-action by the United Nations Secretary-General highlights the critical need to address the escalating issue of extreme heat to protect vulnerable populations, ensure worker safety, and promote economic resilience in the face of rising temperatures. It is essential for world leaders to prioritize climate action and work towards mitigating the impacts of extreme heat on a global scale.
