Human-Caused Climate Change Contributes 41 Days of Extreme Heat in 2024

In 2024, human-caused climate change added an average of 41 extra days of dangerous heat, impacting health and the economy significantly. A Lancet study predicts potential income losses in India to reach $141 billion. The report emphasizes that urgent action is required to transition from fossil fuels to mitigate future severe weather events, as climate change has intensified many extreme weather occurrences resulting in substantial loss of life and displacement.

A recent analysis indicates that human-induced climate change contributed an average of 41 additional days of extreme heat in 2024, negatively impacting both human health and the environment. Earlier studies have established a correlation between heat stress and decreased workforce productivity, suggesting significant economic repercussions. In a notable Lancet study from October 2024, it was estimated that labor capacity reductions due to heat in India alone could result in a staggering income loss of $141 billion from the previous year. To prevent a future rife with catastrophic events such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, experts from World Weather Attribution and Climate Central stress the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Furthermore, the report highlights that climate change has exacerbated 26 out of 29 weather anomalies observed, attributing at least 3,700 deaths and displacing millions. Dr. Friederike Otto, a leading scientist at Imperial College London and director of the World Weather Attribution, emphasized the severe consequences of extreme weather on human life and societal stability. The year 2024 has already been marked as a record-breaking year for temperatures, with data indicating that the initial half of the year has experienced unprecedented heat levels, extending a continuous record that began in 2023.

The data reveal that the 41 additional days of extreme heat correspond to the warmest decile of temperatures recorded globally from 1991 to 2020. This unprecedented heat has not only led to heatwaves but also intensified droughts, wildfires, and severe storm activity, resulting in floods across various regions. Remarkably, 219 weather events analyzed by World Weather Attribution met criteria for significant impacts, with many early weather events of 2024 being influenced by the El Niño phenomenon. However, assessments indicate that the effects of climate change predominantly surpass the contributions from El Niño, notably in cases like the historic drought affecting the Amazon region.

Climate change, primarily driven by human activity, has become a pressing global issue, manifesting in increasingly severe weather events. The link between climate-induced heat stress and economic productivity is supported by various studies, which highlight how excessive heat can severely impact labor capabilities, particularly in vulnerable regions such as India. As extreme weather phenomena become more frequent, their consequences pose serious risks to public health, economic stability, and overall ecological well-being. The calls for swift action towards sustainable practices are underscored by the growing body of research aiming to mitigate future disasters.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores a troubling increase in the number of extreme heat days attributed to climate change, highlighting the adverse effects on health and economic productivity. The urgent need for a transition from fossil fuels is more critical than ever to avert future catastrophes linked to extreme weather. With record temperatures and disruptive weather events marking 2024, there is a clear call for immediate, collective action to address the climate crisis.

Original Source: www.businesstoday.in