Sweltering Heat Across Asia 45 Times More Likely Due to Climate Change, Study Finds

The intense heat was felt across vast areas, from Gaza in the west to the Philippines in the southeast, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for several consecutive days. Notably, the study highlighted that such extreme temperatures in the Philippines were impossible without human influence, while the probability of heatwaves in parts of the Middle East was increased fivefold due to climate change.

The impact on human life has been severe. At least 28 heat-related deaths occurred in Bangladesh, five in India, and three in Gaza in April. Additionally, heat-related fatalities were reported in Thailand and the Philippines. “People suffered and died when April temperatures soared in Asia,” said Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London and a study author. She emphasized the continued threat posed by fossil fuel consumption.

Beyond human health, the heatwave significantly affected agriculture, leading to crop damage and reduced yields. Educational disruptions were also widespread, with schools closing and vacations extending, impacting thousands of students. Record-breaking temperatures were noted in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines, which experienced its hottest night ever at 29.8 degrees Celsius (85.6 degrees Fahrenheit). India saw temperatures reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit).

Experts warn that extreme heat during the pre-monsoon season in South Asia is becoming more frequent. The study found that temperatures in the region are now about 0.85 degrees Celsius (1.5 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter due to climate change. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in refugee camps and migrants, are at heightened risk.

“These findings are alarming,” stated Aditya Valiathan Pillai from the Sustainable Futures Collaborative. He called for increased awareness, investments in heat mitigation, and more research to tackle future heatwaves. Pillai emphasized the critical threat heat poses to personal health and economic development worldwide.

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