What?
July 3 to 6, 2023 were the hottest days on Earth as per the official data of the US National Centres for Environmental Prediction. The Earth’s thermostat reached a record 17.01 degrees Celsius on Monday, 17.17 on Tuesday, 17.18 on Wednesday, and 17.23 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
Why?
The researchers have explained that this is due to the dual effect of rising carbon emissions, causing climate change and the emerging El Niño weather pattern worldwide. From China to the US, El Niño has gripped most nations, causing massive environmental and public health harm.
So far, close to 100 people have died in India in June 2023, across the two states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. More than 2000 people suffered from heat stress during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Antarctica, where it’s winter, has recorded the warmest July at 8.6 degrees Celsius. North Africa continues to sizzle at 50 degrees Celsius.
Weather in India
The weather in India has gone for a complete toss. In February this year, the temperature reached its highest level since 1901. The temperatures ranged from 35 to 39 degrees Celsius in several parts of India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Konkan, Goa, and coastal Karnataka. March was wetter than usual. April and May witnessed cool and wet weather. While June was hot and humid for the most part. Scientists see this as a part of global warming that is paving the way for hot weather. They have also predicted a higher frequency of heatwaves in the upcoming summer season.
How this could affect us?
As per the experts, the shift in weather patterns can have major implications for human health. These kinds of weather situations are perfect for vector-borne diseases (like malaria, dengue, chikungunya fever etc.) and the regions that might see a prolonged wet season due to El Niño might experience a rise in these infections. For instance, a 2003 study on the intersection of El Niño and infectious disease showed spikes in malaria along the coasts of Venezuela and Brazil during and after El Niño years.
The Analysis (TA) is a research and communication group working on issues of law and public policy in India. Feel free to share your submissions with us at contact@theanalysis.org.in
2024 will be even hotter due to climate change. Thank you 🙏🌍