Half the Globe Faces a Month of Extreme Heat: Discover How Climate Change Intensifies Global Warming

May 30, 2025 6:30 PM EDT

Recently, a study revealed a startling fact: half of the world experienced an extra month of extreme heat due to human-driven climate change. This alarming trend shows the impact of burning fossil fuels on our health and environment.

According to climate scientist Friederike Otto from Imperial College London, every bit of fossil fuel burned contributes to rising temperatures. This heat affects people everywhere, but developing countries often feel these changes more acutely.

The research, conducted by scientists from multiple organizations, looked at data between May 2024 and May 2025. They defined “extreme heat days” as those that exceeded 90% of typical temperatures recorded from 1991 to 2020. Shockingly, around four billion people faced at least 30 more days of extreme heat than they would have in a world without climate change. A total of 67 extreme heat events were directly linked to climate change.

This year’s Heat Action Day on June 2 will focus on the dangers of heat-related illnesses. The report stresses the need for better preparedness and response strategies, especially as many heat-related health impacts in lower-income areas remain poorly documented. For instance, while Europe noted over 61,000 heat-related deaths in the summer of 2022, similar statistics from other regions are often lacking or misleading.

The Caribbean island of Aruba saw the highest impacts, recording 187 extreme heat days—45 more than expected in a stable climate. This trend correlates with recent climate records showing 2024 was the hottest year on record, surpassing 2023’s temperatures, and indicating a significant rise in global temperatures above pre-industrial levels.

Despite these challenges, solutions exist. Experts recommend improving urban infrastructure with better building designs aimed at enhancing cooling and ventilation. Public education and early warning systems can also help communities adapt more effectively. However, the consensus remains: phasing out fossil fuels is critical to stop the increasing severity of heat waves.

Taking decisive action now can lead to a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Understanding the causes and effects of climate change is the first step in making a difference.

For further information on these climate studies, you can visit the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

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