Deadliest of Climate Change Disasters
Heatwaves: Among the Deadliest of Climate Change Disasters
While many of us in the UK will be enjoying – or enduring – the heatwave this week, searing heat and extreme highs of temperature are set to silently kill thousands and displace millions more across the world, writes Saba Yasin.
Heatwaves are amongst the deadliest of climate-related disasters for many. Currently, about 30% of the global population lives in areas where heat and humidity levels can be deadly on at least 20 days a year, studies show.
The risk is rising with heatwaves like the one the UK is experiencing, where a national emergency was declared after a red extreme heat warning was issued for the first time, as temperatures were predicted to reach 40C (104F).
Across the world, countries are feeling the devastating effects of rising temperatures. In the last three months, monsoon rains unleashed disastrous flooding in Bangladesh, and brutal heatwaves seared parts of South Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, prolonged drought has left millions on the brink of famine in East Africa.
While the effects of a heatwave reach nearly everyone, those without the proper resources are disproportionately affected.
Without air conditioning to mitigate extreme climate conditions, heatwaves pose a very real problem to those without amenities. Compared with the U.S., where almost 90% of households have air conditioning, fewer than 5% of homes in countries such as Pakistan have AC.
Extreme temperatures spell out several consequences for the poorest in developing countries by interfering with all aspects of life. In addition to increasing the likelihood of suffering from heat-related illnesses, heatwaves also prevent people from working or attending school.
The effect on investment and the economy is a mere afterthought in estimations for the increasing loss of life. Heatwaves and drought conditions are also worsening wildfires, particularly megafires - those that burn more than 100,000 acres.
Climatologists say this vicious cycle is cause for alarm. Climate experts from the UN announced a “code red for humanity” in a 2021 report that said that heatwaves, floods, and other extreme weather events would increase in an “unprecedented” way, in terms of frequency, scale, areas impacted and periods of the year when they may occur.
For countries across the globe and specifically those we empower, and for everyone’s shared future, the time to act on climate change is now.
Find out more about what Islamic Help is doing about climate change here.
