Global warming is changing the climate of Mecca, making conditions more dangerous for the millions who attend the hajj pilgrimage. A recent study shows that carbon emissions from fossil fuels are causing temperatures to climb. In May, it’s now common to see scorcher days reaching 40°C (104°F), a temperature that used to be rare in that month.
Hajj takes place during the Islamic lunar calendar, which means it shifts earlier each year. By the end of the century, researchers predict this pilgrimage could happen in extreme heat almost year-round if we don’t move away from fossil fuels.
In 2024, over 1,300 pilgrims lost their lives due to the intense heat and humidity during the hajj, which fell in June that year. The situation in May has changed dramatically too, with 40°C expected every two to three years due to climate change. The average May temperature has risen by 3.5°C since the era before human-caused climate issues. This means that hajj now poses similar risks to what summer used to offer.
Saudi Arabia has taken steps to help pilgrims cope with the heat by creating shaded walkways, setting up cooling stations, and expanding medical services. These efforts have reduced the number of heat-related illnesses during the hajj. However, experts warn that these measures are just temporary fixes.
Professor Friederike Otto from Imperial College London emphasizes that we need to drastically cut our fossil fuel use, as it’s a key part of the Saudi economy. Without this change, future hajj pilgrims will face dangerously hot conditions.
Dr. Clair Barnes from the same institution notes that safe periods for performing hajj are getting shorter. Unless we stop burning fossil fuels, the chance to experience hajj in comfortable temperatures will continue to decline.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and the shifting dates due to the lunar calendar mean it moves through all seasons every 33 years. Current climate policies are likely to see a 3°C rise in global temperatures by century’s end. This would mean about 97% of hajj would be affected by extreme heat, raising serious concerns for the health and safety of those attending.
Dr. Emmanuel Raju from the Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research points out that extreme heat during the hajj poses unique challenges, given the large crowds moving outdoors for days. While misting fans and water stations are crucial for public health, he stresses that the continuous rise in temperatures could jeopardize the safety of countless pilgrims.
As the climate crisis progresses, the need for effective climate action becomes even more urgent. It’s not just about the health of a single pilgrimage; it represents a growing challenge for millions worldwide.
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