UN Chief Warns of 'Extreme Heat Epidemic' Affecting Humanity Globally

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning about the severe impact of the current global heat waves, describing the situation as an "extreme heat epidemic." On Thursday, Guterres emphasized that billions of people are suffering under increasingly deadly heat waves, with temperatures in some regions exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

Guterres underscored the urgent need for action to mitigate the effects of these heat waves, which have been intensified by climate change. "Billions of people are facing an extreme heat epidemic," he said. "They are wilting under dangerously high temperatures, which are pushing the limits of human endurance."

According to the European Copernicus network, the days of July 21, 22, and 23 were recorded as the hottest ever worldwide, with July 22 reaching a record high of 17.16 degrees Celsius (62.9 degrees Fahrenheit) above the long-term average.

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The UN Secretary-General called on the global community to address the root causes of climate change. He reiterated his call to combat the reliance on fossil fuels, which he described as "the disease" behind the climate crisis. "Today, our focus is on the impact of extreme heat," Guterres said, adding, "But let's not forget that there are many other devastating symptoms of the climate crisis: increasingly fierce hurricanes, floods, droughts, wildfires, and rising sea levels."

Guterres's comments came as 2023 was recorded as the hottest year to date, with 2024 potentially breaking this record. Extreme temperatures have become increasingly common, with over 10 locations worldwide surpassing the 50°C threshold within the past year, including Death Valley in the United States (53.9°C on July 7), Agadir in Morocco, and various cities in China and India.

The UN has highlighted that this "silent killer" of extreme heat is responsible for approximately 489,000 deaths annually between 2000 and 2019, significantly higher than the 16,000 deaths caused by cyclones in the same period.

Additionally, the economic impact of extreme heat is substantial. The UN estimates that heat stress at work will lead to economic losses of $2.4 trillion by 2030. A report from the International Labor Organization reveals that over 70% of workers were exposed to excessive heat in 2020, a significant increase from 8.8% in 2000.

Guterres urged for measures to protect the most vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those living in poverty. He called for enhanced early warning systems for heat waves and better access to low-carbon cooling technologies. This includes investing in passive cooling systems—such as climate-sensitive urban design, reflective surfaces, and natural cooling methods—and phasing out climate-warming gases used in many cooling systems.

"The good news is that we can save lives and limit the impact," Guterres concluded, stressing the need for immediate and concerted global action to address the heat crisis and its broader implications for humanity and the environment.

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