In the face of an unprecedented heatwave, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a compelling global call to action. This past week has witnessed record-breaking temperatures, with the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service declaring July 21 as the hottest day on record, followed by even higher temperatures on July 22 and 23.
This trio of scorching days highlights an alarming trend: extreme heat is becoming the new normal.
Extreme temperatures are no longer confined to fleeting moments. Instead, they represent a growing and persistent crisis affecting billions worldwide. This year alone, we have seen severe heatwaves impact various regions, from the Sahel, where hospitalizations and deaths surged, to the United States, where 120 million people faced heat advisories. The devastating toll extends beyond human health; it disrupts economies, deepens inequalities, and exacerbates climate-induced challenges.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, heat waves rapidly increase in frequency, intensity, and duration. June marked the thirteenth consecutive month of record-breaking global temperatures, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Extreme hends of lives annually.at disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including the urban poor, the elderly, and those with disabilities. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that nearly 25% of children are exposed to frequent heatwaves, and this number is expected to rise dramatically by 2050. Expanding access to low-carbon cooling technologies and enhancing early warning systems is crucial to mitigate these impacts, potentially saving thousands.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that over 70% of the global workforce is at high risk from extreme heat. In many regions, workers face severe heat conditions that threaten their health and impact productivity and economic stability. Effective heat protection measures and updated regulations are essential to address this growing concern.
Extreme heat affects infrastructure, agriculture, and essential services. Comprehensive Heat Action Plans based on scientific data are needed to counteract these effects. Enhancing the resilience of economies and societies through informed planning and action will be vital in managing future heat-related challenges.
Guterres emphasizes the need to address the underlying drivers of extreme heat—namely, climate change driven by fossil fuel consumption. Governments, particularly those in the G20, must decisively phase out fossil fuels, halt new coal projects, and redirect subsidies toward renewable energy. Committing to reducing global fossil fuel consumption by 30% and advancing renewable energy goals is crucial for a sustainable future.
The Secretary-General’s message underscores the necessity of addressing extreme heat within a comprehensive climate action framework. The global community is called to collectively address the manifestations of climate change—heatwaves, hurricanes, and wildfires—and their underlying causes. This requires a unified effort from governments, businesses, and financial institutions to develop and finance effective climate policies.
