A study highlights the potential expansion of extreme heat areas if global warming reaches 2°C, risking the health of younger and older individuals alike. The number of unsafe land areas for young adults could triple, while nearly one-third of land becomes dangerous for seniors. The report emphasizes the stark implications of rising temperatures, underscoring urgent climate action.
A recent study warns that global warming may significantly increase the area of the world experiencing extreme heat, putting more individuals at risk of dangerous conditions. Researchers have found that a rise in the Earth’s temperature by 2 degrees Celsius could lead to about 6% of land becoming unsafe for younger adults and an estimated one-third of the planet’s land being hazardous for individuals over 60. Last year’s heat waves, which resulted in over 1,300 fatalities during the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, exemplify this growing threat.
Climate change has been linked to a surge in heatwaves, endangering human health and endurance across various regions, especially vulnerable populations. The Paris climate agreement seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally targeting 1.5 degrees Celsius. The 2023 reported rise in average temperature above 1.5 degrees Celsius has heightened concerns about heat-related health crises, particularly in North Africa and South Asia, where the population faces escalating heat risks.
The findings of this research underscore the critical need for action to mitigate climate change and limit global warming to prevent catastrophic heat-related health impacts. Without strict adherence to climate agreements, the health and safety of populations—particularly the elderly—are at grave risk, with increasing heat thresholds threatening to exceed current safety levels for all age groups in affected regions.
Original Source: www.cp24.com
