UN calls for urgent global action on extreme heat

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a global call to action to address the deadly impacts of rising temperatures worldwide.

The initiative emphasizes the need to protect vulnerable populations, safeguard workers, enhance resilience through data and science, and limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C.

“The climate crisis is driving temperatures up to unbearable levels all over the world, leading to heat-related deaths, illnesses, and putting strain on health systems globally,” Guterres said.

According to estimates, approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred annually between 2000 and 2019, making heat stress the leading cause of weather-related fatalities.

Dr. Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health at the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the pervasive effects of extreme heat.

“Extreme heat is the most visible effect of climate change; everyone is affected,” Neira said. “Those with existing health conditions will be made much worse with extreme heat, and it impacts the health of everyone in sometimes surprising ways. Even mental health is affected by heat, making people confused, anxious, or even violent.”

Prolonged exposure to excessive heat exacerbates a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, and mental health conditions.

It also increases the risk of accidents, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the transmission of infectious diseases. In severe cases, untreated heat stress can lead to heat stroke, a potentially fatal medical emergency.

Despite the severe consequences, heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable.

Evidence-based actions, such as public awareness campaigns on staying cool, heat-ready social protection systems, and advanced heat-health warning systems, can significantly mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat.

Nature-based solutions in urban areas can also help reduce excess heat.

A WHO report estimates that scaling up heat-health warning systems in 57 countries could save nearly 100,000 lives per year.

The Global Heat Health Information Network, co-sponsored by WHO, brings together UN agencies, governments, experts, and civil society partners to share knowledge and implement solutions for protecting communities from extreme heat.

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