Extreme heat warning by WMO highlights rising global heatwaves affecting millions, urging enhanced early warning systems and public health actions to save lives.
WMO Warns of Escalating Global Heatwaves and Urges Enhanced Early Warning Systems
Global Heatwaves Impacting Millions
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a critical warning regarding the intensifying global heatwaves that are affecting millions of people. These extreme heat events, characterized by dangerously high daytime and nighttime temperatures, are exacerbated by wildfires and deteriorating air quality, posing significant health risks worldwide. In response, the WMO emphasizes the urgent need for robust early warning systems and comprehensive heat-health action plans to mitigate the adverse effects of these extreme weather events.
Record-Breaking Temperatures and Widespread Impact
According to WMO data, July 2025 was recorded as the third-warmest July globally, following the years 2023 and 2024. Notably, maximum temperatures in parts of Iran and Iraq exceeded 50°C, leading to severe disruptions in electricity and water supplies, as well as significant impacts on education and labor sectors. In Europe, countries like Sweden and Finland experienced prolonged heatwaves with temperatures surpassing 30°C, while Southeast Europe faced both heatwaves and wildfire activities. Additionally, wildfires in Canada, Greece, and Turkey have displaced communities and worsened air quality, further compounding the health risks associated with extreme heat.
The Silent Threat: Heat-Related Mortality
Heat-related mortality remains a significant concern, with modelled estimates indicating approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths annually between 2000 and 2019. Asia accounted for 45% of these deaths, while Europe contributed 36%. Experts caution that these figures may be underreported due to inadequate diagnosis and reporting mechanisms. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to the urban heat island effect, which amplifies the impact of heat on human health. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are at heightened risk during extreme heat events.
WMO’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat
In alignment with the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, the WMO, alongside nine other specialized UN entities, is committed to enhancing international cooperation to minimize the impacts of extreme heat. The initiative focuses on four critical areas: caring for vulnerable populations, protecting workers, boosting resilience of economies and societies using data and science, and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial averages. The WMO is actively working to bolster heat early warning systems and strengthen heat-health action plans at international, national, and community levels.
Importance of Early Warning Systems
The implementation of effective early warning systems is paramount in mitigating the adverse effects of extreme heat. The WMO and its partners are expanding these systems to ensure at-risk populations receive timely alerts that include information on protective actions to undertake and sources of assistance. According to estimates produced by the WHO and WMO, the global scale-up of heat health-warning systems for 57 countries alone has the potential to save an estimated 98,314 lives per year.
Key Takeaways from WMO’s Extreme Heat Warning
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | July 2025 was the third-warmest July globally, with temperatures exceeding 50°C in parts of Iran and Iraq. |
| 2 | Modelled estimates indicate approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths annually between 2000 and 2019. |
| 3 | The WMO is committed to enhancing early warning systems and heat-health action plans to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat. |
| 4 | The global scale-up of heat health-warning systems for 57 countries could save an estimated 98,314 lives per year. |
| 5 | The UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat focuses on caring for vulnerable populations, protecting workers, boosting resilience, and limiting global temperature rise. |
Why This News is Important
Implications for Public Health
The escalating frequency and intensity of extreme heat events pose significant public health challenges. Heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and dehydration, can lead to severe health complications and fatalities, particularly among vulnerable populations. Implementing early warning systems and heat-health action plans is crucial to mitigate these health risks and protect communities.
Impact on Infrastructure and Economy
Extreme heat can strain infrastructure systems, including electricity and water supplies, leading to disruptions in essential services. The economic implications are profound, with increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and potential damage to critical infrastructure. Strengthening resilience through data-driven strategies and climate adaptation plans is essential to safeguard economies.
Relevance to Government Examinations
Understanding the multifaceted impacts of extreme heat is pertinent for students preparing for government examinations, especially in fields related to environmental science, public health, and disaster management. Knowledge of international initiatives, such as the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, and the role of organizations like the WMO, is essential for comprehensive examination preparation.
Historical Context
Evolution of Heat-Related Awareness
Awareness of heat-related health risks has evolved over time, with increasing recognition of the need for preventive measures and response strategies. Historically, heatwaves were often underreported, and their impacts underestimated. However, with advancements in climate science and data collection, there is a growing emphasis on proactive measures to address the challenges posed by extreme heat.
Development of Early Warning Systems
The development of early warning systems has been a critical advancement in disaster risk reduction. Initially focused on meteorological hazards, these systems have expanded to include health-related risks, such as extreme heat. International collaborations, like the WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Programme, have been instrumental in promoting the integration of health considerations into early warning frameworks.
Global Climate Trends
Global climate trends indicate an upward trajectory in average temperatures, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports underscore the urgency of limiting global temperature rise to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to cap global warming and promote sustainable development practices.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)?
The WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation on atmospheric science, climate, weather, and water resources.
2. Why is the WMO warning about extreme heat?
The WMO warns about extreme heat because rising global temperatures are causing frequent and severe heatwaves that affect millions, increasing health risks and straining infrastructure worldwide.
3. How many heat-related deaths occur annually according to estimates?
Modelled estimates suggest approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths happen annually between 2000 and 2019.
4. What is the significance of early warning systems for heatwaves?
Early warning systems help alert vulnerable populations in advance, enabling timely protective actions that can save lives and reduce health complications during extreme heat events.
5. What are the four critical focus areas of the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat?
The four areas are caring for vulnerable populations, protecting workers, boosting resilience of economies and societies, and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
6. Which regions have been most affected by extreme heat as per recent reports?
Asia and Europe have experienced high heat-related mortality and severe heatwaves, with parts of Iran and Iraq recording temperatures exceeding 50°C.
7. How can extreme heat affect infrastructure and the economy?
Extreme heat can disrupt electricity and water supplies, increase healthcare costs, reduce productivity, and damage critical infrastructure.
8. What role does climate change play in increasing heatwaves?
Climate change contributes to rising average global temperatures, which increases the frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves worldwide.
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