In some countries, the risk of heat waves is rising due to growing populations and inadequate healthcare and energy supplies
Researchers have now determined which parts of the world are most vulnerable to severe heat waves as climate change causes havoc in practically every nation. Due to inadequate planning and weak climate resilience, these areas run the risk of experiencing sweltering temperatures.
The regions most at risk from rising temperatures due to climate change and global warming include Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, and Central America. Researchers determined that these risks are caused by expanding populations, constrained access to healthcare, and an inadequate energy supply.
“In some regions, such as Afghanistan and parts of Central America, this is a particular problem - not only have they the potential for far more extreme heat waves than experienced, but their population is growing and increasingly exposed because of limited healthcare and energy resources,” states the report
Researchers noted that the observed daily maximum temperature record is extraordinary in 31% of the places studied in a study that was published in the journal Nature Communications. According to the report, climate models indicate that the same behaviour may take place in any region.
Beijing and Central Europe were also discovered to be hotspots that may have an impact on millions of people living in these areas. As rivers dry up and people are forced to ration water, areas of China and Europe are already going through their worst droughts and water shortages.
Researchers identified places worldwide where temperature records are most likely to be broken soon and communities therefore in the greatest danger of suffering extreme heat using extreme value statistics and big datasets from climate models and observations.
While heat waves will increase the frequency of wildfires, the glaciers may be negatively impacted by the temperature increase, intensifying melting seasons. As El Nino made a comeback, scientists recently noted that the world might break a new average temperature record in 2023 or 2024.
Suggesting solutions, the paper noted, “Heat waves are deadly—but better preparation can save lives. Planning ahead can reduce mortality from climatic extremes. For example, city heat plans that include actions such as establishing cooling centres or reducing hours of work for outdoor workers can reduce heat impacts. Policy changes following the 2003 European heatwave led to fewer deaths after the similar magnitude 2006 event7, and humanitarian response plans in Bangladesh reduced mortality from Cyclone Amphan in 2020.