Some 4.9 billion people globally were affected by extreme heat from June 16 to June 24, according to Climate Central, a US-based nonprofit news organization specializing in climate science.
The heat wave was triggered by climate change caused by the release of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels such as petrol, gas, and coal. The hardest-hit regions were Asia, where:
- India suffered 619 million people under extreme heat
- China saw 579 million people exposed to extreme heat
Other countries severely impacted included:
- Indonesia (231 million)
- Nigeria (206 million)
- Brazil (176 million)
- Bangladesh (171 million)
- United States (165 million)
- Europe (152 million)
- Mexico (123 million)
- Ethiopia (121 million)
- Egypt (103 million)
At least 1,300 hajj pilgrims lost their lives in Saudi Arabia due to the extreme heat, highlighting the dire consequences of climate change on human life and health.
There is an urgent need for immediate action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable populations around the world.
News ID : 3432