Climate Change to Bring Massive Increase in Superhot Days
Climate change is set to bring significant increases in extreme heat events, with severe consequences for certain regions and countries. A new study warns that without enhanced climate-fighting efforts, the world could see a substantial rise in superhot days by the end of the century.
Under the current trajectory of carbon pollution, the top carbon-emitting countries - including the U.S., China, and India - could experience between 23 and 30 extra superhot days by the end of the century. This is in stark contrast to the scenario where countries fulfill their Paris Agreement promises, which would still add 57 superhot days by 2100. However, not meeting these targets would double the number of additional hot days.
The impact will be felt most acutely in certain regions and countries. Hawaii and Florida in the U.S. are expected to see the biggest increase in superhot days. Globally, the ten most affected countries are small and ocean-dependent, with Panama expecting a staggering 149 extra superhot days. Last year's Southwestern United States and Mexico heat wave could be 1.7°C hotter by the end of the century under the current trajectory.
The 2023 southern Europe heat wave is already 70% more likely and 0.6°C warmer than it would have been without the Paris Agreement. Without emission reduction efforts, Earth is heading towards an additional 114 days a year of deadly extra hot days by the end of the century. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced climate action to mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change.
