Humans Were Hit With 26 Extra Hot Days in the Last Year, Says Alarming Study
Humans Were Hit With 26 Extra Hot Days in the Last Year, Says Alarming Study Yahoo News Canada
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Climate Change and the Escalation of Global Extreme Heat
A recent study conducted by Climate Central, the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center, and World Weather Attribution has revealed alarming data regarding the impact of climate change on global heatwaves. The research, which spanned from May 15, 2023, to May 15, 2024, found that humans experienced an average of 26 excess hot days due to human-induced climate change.
Global Population Affected by Extreme Heat
The study discovered that a staggering 78 percent of the world’s population, equating to 6.8 billion people, endured at least 31 days of extreme heat. This extreme heat is defined as temperatures higher than 90 percent of local temperatures observed between 1991-2020 on any given day.
Methodology and Findings
Using the peer-reviewed Climate Shift Index (CSI), researchers were able to determine when climate change doubled the likelihood of a particular temperature occurring, deeming it an excess heat day. The past year saw 11 consecutive months of record-breaking temperatures and 76 extreme heat waves across 90 countries.
Impact on Human Health and Development
Aditya V. Bahadur, director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, emphasized that extreme heat poses severe threats to human health, critical infrastructure, the economy, agriculture, and the environment. It undermines human development and decreases well-being, particularly for marginalized communities in the global South.
Heatwaves: A Silent Killer
Heatwaves are currently affecting countries worldwide, from Pakistan to Finland. Unlike other extreme weather events like tornadoes and hurricanes, heatwaves kill more slowly and inconspicuously. They can worsen pre-existing health conditions and have been linked to an increase in premature births.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate Action
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The study highlights the need for measures to protect populations from the health impacts of extreme heat.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Urban areas need to adapt to rising temperatures to safeguard residents and infrastructure.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Urgent action is required to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change on extreme weather events.
Geoengineering Solutions
Scientists are exploring geoengineering solutions such as marine cloud brightening and stratospheric aerosol injection as emergency measures to combat rising temperatures. However, these are temporary fixes, and the ultimate solution lies in reducing emissions to restore Earth’s climate balance.
- Marine cloud brightening could reflect sunlight away from Earth.
- Stratospheric aerosol injection aims to mimic the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions.
In conclusion, the study serves as a dire warning of the consequences of climate change on global temperatures. It underscores the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, sustainable communities, and climate action to ensure a livable planet for future generations.
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed in the article are:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific targets under the SDGs based on the article’s content are:
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:
- Indicator for Target 3.9: The number of excess hot days and extreme heatwaves as a result of climate change.
- Indicator for Target 13.1: The percentage of the global population experiencing extreme heat days.
- Indicator for Target 11.6: The impact of heatwaves on human health, critical infrastructure, the economy, agriculture, and the environment in urban areas.
4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: Reduce deaths and illnesses from pollution | The number of excess hot days and extreme heatwaves |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards | The percentage of the global population experiencing extreme heat days |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: Reduce environmental impact of cities | The impact of heatwaves on health, infrastructure, economy, agriculture, and environment in urban areas |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: ca.news.yahoo.com
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