GENEVA, 29th June, 2024 (WAM) -- With extreme heat posing a growing threat to human health, the environment and key economic sectors, hundreds of millions of people in the Northern Hemisphere are bracing for what is typically the hottest month of the year, July.
The Global Heat-Health Information Network, which is co-sponsored by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), stepped up its #HeatReady campaign. It issued a call to action to governments and communities to mobilise targeted prevention measures and early warnings, and provided simple tips for individuals.
“The time for complacency is over. The 2024 heat season is set to challenge our resilience like never before, but by taking urgent and coordinated action we can save lives. Let us act decisively, with the urgency and commitment that this crisis demands, to protect those most at risk from the avoidable health impacts of heat,” said Joy Shumake-Guillemot, the Lead of the World Meteorological Organisation-World Health Organisation Joint Office for Climate and Health.
“Almost all deaths directly due to excess heat can be prevented. Governments, authorities and relevant public and private organizations and individuals need to take this seriously and act now,” she said.
Heatwaves so far in 2024 in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America have already exacted a heavy toll, claiming hundreds of lives, reducing labour productivity and crop yields, disrupting education and energy supplies and fanning the risk of wildfires.
“Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense, are starting earlier and ending later, and occurring simultaneously over several regions due to human-induced climate change. Unbearable temperatures over 40 °C and even 50 °C are increasingly frequent in many parts of the world, paralysing society and posing a major threat to human health and well-being,” said WMO climate expert Alvaro Silva.
Cities, states, and countries should put in place heat preparedness and response strategies, which are stress tested to consider unprecedented extreme heat conditions. This includes developing and implementing comprehensive intersectoral Heat Action Plans and Early Warning Systems, enhancing public awareness campaigns, and investing in heat-resilient infrastructure and policies, according to the Global Heat-Health Information Network.
Simple actions, such as staying hydrated, applying water to the skin, avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat, and checking on elderly neighbours and family members, can save lives.