Lack of meaningful political action to stop climate change making heatwaves deadlier
The human-induced climate crisis made the deadly heatwave that recently scorched large areas of Mexico, Central America and the southern US 35 times more likely, according to research by leading climate scientists from World Weather Attribution (WWA).
Extreme heat increases the rates of cardiovascular, respiratory and renal problems, besides overwhelming energy supplies, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure. The CCCS has confirmed 2023 as the hottest year ever and said the same about the first five months of 2024.
“Heatwaves are getting deadlier … Thanks to spinless politicians, who give in to fossil-fuel lobbying again and again, the world continues to burn huge amounts of oil, gas and coal,” said Friederike Otto, co-author of the study and senior lecturer at Grantham Institute.
Heatwave caused by several factors like a heat dome
Tens of thousands of people have endured dangerous daytime and nighttime temperatures as a heat dome in engulfed Mexico, and large swaths of Texas, Arizona and Nevada, and Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.
A heatwave, the deadliest form of extreme weather, can be caused by several factors including a heat dome – responsible for trapping hot air close to the ground, blocking cool air from entering and causing temperatures to rise and remain high for a longer period.
In May and early June, the heat dome hovered over the region, breaking a number of daily and national temperature records, and causing a sizeable amount of misery and disruption, especially among the communities least responsible for the climate crisis.
Climate change to get heatwaves deadlier
Since March, at least 125 people have died and thousands of others suffered heatstroke in Mexico. The country recorded its hottest June day on June 13 as temperatures hit almost 52 degrees Celsius. The severe heat is putting several endangered species in greater danger.
Previous studies have highlighted that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves have been increasing in recent years due to the climate crisis – a result of rampant burning of fossil fuels and other human activities such as deforestation and industrialised agriculture.
If fossil fuels are not phased out, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves will continue to rise, triggering more fatalities, illnesses, economic losses, hunger, water shortages and forced migration among the poorest and most marginalised communities.
Read More: Can President Claudia Sheinbaum bring a difference in oil-reliant Mexico?
