Research shows human-caused climate change made recent sweltering temperatures in Asia and the Middle East 45 times more probable.
A recent study has highlighted the profound impact of climate change, revealing that the intense heatwave that swept across Asia and the Middle East this April was made 45 times more likely due to human-caused climate change. The scorching temperatures, reminiscent of last year’s devastating heat, affected regions from Gaza in the west to the Philippines in the southeast, with several areas enduring temperatures over 40°C (104°F) for consecutive days.
Released by the World Weather Attribution group, the study uses advanced climate models to assess the role of human influence on extreme weather events. In the Philippines, the heat was deemed virtually impossible without the warming effects of climate change. Meanwhile, the likelihood of similar events in the Middle East was increased by approximately five times.
Dr Friederike Otto, a leading climate scientist at Imperial College London, explained: “If humans continue burning fossil fuels, the climate will warm further, and vulnerable communities will bear the brunt, suffering and losing lives.”
In Bangladesh, at least 28 heat-related fatalities were reported, with additional deaths in India and Gaza. The extreme conditions also took a toll on agriculture, damaging crops and affecting yields, while disrupting education with school closures and extended vacations in several countries.
The month of April set a global record for the hottest on record, continuing a trend of consecutive months of unprecedented warmth. Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam all broke records for the hottest April days, and the Philippines saw its hottest night ever. In India, temperatures peaked at a staggering 46°C (115°F).
Climate experts warn that such extreme heat events are becoming more common, particularly in South Asia during the pre-monsoon season. This April’s heat was approximately 0.85°C (1.5°F) hotter than what would have been expected without climate change.
The study also found that displaced individuals, refugees, and migrants living in precarious conditions were disproportionately affected by the extreme heat.
Aditya Valiathan Pillai, a heat plans expert from the Sustainable Futures Collaborative in New Delhi, called the findings “alarming.” He emphasized the urgent need for increased awareness and investment to mitigate the risks of future heatwaves. “Heat is now one of the most critical health risks for millions of people worldwide and poses a serious threat to national economies,” he stated.
