Extreme Heat Kills Hundreds of Thousands Worldwide Each Year

image via New Scientist

July 26, 2024, 7:30 PM

• •The United Nations chief implored government leaders to protect the Earth's 8.1 billion people from withering heat waves that in recent days have caused deaths, blackouts and drought conditions around the world.
• •The urgent plea came days after the planet set a new record for the hottest day ever recorded — and then immediately broke it.
• •Guterres’ call to action offered four recommendations to world leaders. First, they should protect their most vulnerable people, because heat disproportionately affects people who are older, or pregnant, or who have preexisting health problems. It is also more dangerous for low-income communities.

The United Nations chief implored government leaders to protect the Earth's 8.1 billion people from withering heat waves that in recent days have caused deaths, blackouts and drought conditions around the world. The urgent plea came days after the planet set a new record for the hottest day ever recorded — and then immediately broke it.

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