A scorching heatwave gripped a staggering nearly 5 billion people across the globe between June 16th and 24th, according to a report by Climate Central, a non-profit science news organization.
This extreme weather event, linked to rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions, exposed vast populations to dangerous conditions.
The brunt of the heatwave impacted densely populated regions in Asia.
India and China, the world’s two most populous countries, witnessed extreme heat affecting an estimated 619 million and 579 million people respectively.
Other heavily affected areas included Indonesia (231 million), Nigeria (206 million), and Bangladesh (171 million).
The heatwave’s reach extended far beyond Asia, with millions experiencing dangerously high temperatures in North and South America, Africa, and Europe.
The United States saw 165 million people impacted, while Europe had 152 million.
Heat also affected millions in Brazil (176 million), Mexico (123 million), Ethiopia (121 million), and Egypt (103 million).
The scorching temperatures tragically claimed lives during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
According to reports, at least 1,300 pilgrims perished due to the extreme heat.
This unprecedented heatwave highlights the growing threat of climate change and its devastating impact on human populations worldwide.
Urgent action is needed to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the risks associated with a warming planet.
