July 22 has marked another alarming milestone in the escalating climate crisis as the world experienced its hottest day on record, according to a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This unprecedented heatwave is a stark reminder of the severe impact of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet.
Consecutive Records: Global temperatures have set new monthly records for 13 consecutive months, from June 2023 to June 2024. This consistent rise in temperature underscores the severity of the climate crisis.
50℃ Barrier: “Widespread, intense, and prolonged heatwaves have struck every continent in the past year,” reported WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. At least ten countries recorded daily temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in multiple locations.
Urgency of Action
Call to Action: In response to these alarming trends, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the Call to Action on Extreme Heat in July. This initiative aims to enhance international cooperation to address the escalating issue of extreme heat. “Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere,” emphasized Guterres.
Deadly Consequences: Extreme heat has far-reaching effects on society, causing significant economic and health impacts:
A 1℃ increase in annual temperature leads to a 9.1 percent increase in poverty.
12 percent of all food produced is lost due to inadequate cooling.
By 2030, heat stress could result in the loss of working hours equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs.
Nearly half a million heat-related deaths occurred each year from 2000 to 2019.
Comprehensive Response
Multi-Sectoral Approach: The Call to Action emphasizes four critical areas:
Caring for the Vulnerable: Protecting those most at risk from extreme heat.
Protecting Workers: Ensuring safe working conditions in increasingly hot climates.
Boosting Resilience: Enhancing the resilience of economies and societies through data and science.
Limiting Temperature Rise: Phasing out fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy to limit global temperature rise to 1.5℃.
Global Collaboration: The initiative draws on the expertise of ten specialized UN entities, highlighting the multifaceted impacts of extreme heat on health, livelihoods, and economies. “The WMO community is committed to responding to the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action with better heat-health early warnings and action plans,” said Ms. Saulo. Recent estimates suggest that expanding heat health-warning systems globally could save around 98,000 lives annually.