Heatwaves currently affecting several regions are expected to persist through August. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns of temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius for prolonged periods in North America, Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.
These heatwaves differ from typical definitions, showing unprecedented intensity and duration, lasting well above 40 degrees Celsius for weeks in some areas.
Attributed to climate change by the WMO, extreme events are escalating worldwide, necessitating immediate action. The impact on people and infrastructure is devastating. In India, the death toll reached 1,300, and power grids struggled to cope with the strain, causing frequent outages.
Agriculture is suffering too, as farmers in France report heat-damaged crops. The resulting decrease in agricultural production is anticipated globally.
Governments are urged by the WMO to invest in early warning systems and adaptation measures. These efforts can help communities cope with the repercussions of such extreme weather events.
Beyond heatwaves, climate change is evident in other extreme events like droughts, floods, and wildfires, necessitating collective action.
The world must urgently address climate change, with heatwaves serving as a warning of impending dangers if immediate action is not taken.
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