Paris Agreement: Progress in Combating Deadly Heat, but More Action Needed – Insights from DW (10/16/2025)

A recent report highlights how meeting global commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions could reduce hot days by 57 annually. Heat, though often overshadowed by natural disasters like floods and storms, is the deadliest form of extreme weather. Even small increases in temperature can severely affect ecosystems and human health.

Unfortunately, climate change is escalating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Each year, around half a million people die due to extreme heat. This rising temperature also endangers delicate ecosystems, like coral reefs, which are crucial for biodiversity.

The report, from the scientific group World Weather Attribution and US-based Climate Central, emphasizes the need for urgent action. “The greatest impacts will fall on the poorest communities,” warns Friederike Otto, a climate scientist involved in the research.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, united nearly 200 countries in a pledge to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. Current warming sits at about 1.4 degrees. If countries meet their targets, the world could see an increase of 2.6 degrees by the end of the century, leading to more extreme heat conditions.

Kristina Dahl of Climate Central states, “Even with the Paris Agreement, we’re still on the brink of experiencing dangerously high temperatures.” Without the agreement, projections indicate a potential rise of 4 degrees by 2100, resulting in a staggering 114 extra hot days each year.

Recent heat waves in Europe and the southern US have already led to thousands of deaths and exacerbated drought conditions. The warming trend, although seemingly small, has real consequences. For instance, heat waves in South Asia have tripled in likelihood, affecting crop yields and leading to power shortages.

Additionally, the Amazon Rainforest’s health is deteriorating, with increased heat worsening drought conditions experienced in 2023. Such climate shifts have caused significant disruptions, including the education crisis affecting around 420,000 children, according to a UN report.

Experts warn that even minor temperature changes can make a significant difference in public health and well-being. The most vulnerable populations—low-income households, outdoor workers, and the elderly—experience the brunt of heat stress. Since the 1990s, heat-related deaths among those over 65 have surged by 167%.

With the threat of climate change looming, adaptation measures are crucial. While some strides have been made, only half of countries have early warning systems for extreme heat, and only 47 have comprehensive heat action plans. “People don’t have to suffer from extreme heat; communities can adopt straightforward solutions,” Otto recommends.

In recent years, renewable energy has overtaken coal as the primary source of electricity. However, 2024 has also registered record-high temperatures and carbon dioxide levels. A stronger commitment to emissions reductions is essential if we hope to hit the Paris Agreement’s targets.

Experts underscore the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels. As Otto says, “We have the knowledge and technology; now we need action.” Keeping our planet safe for future generations requires immediate and robust changes in policy.

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