Climate Change Worsens Deadly Heatwave in Saudi Arabia During Haj Pilgrimage

A recent heatwave in Saudi Arabia, exacerbated by climate change, resulted in the deaths of at least 550 Haj pilgrims. A rapid analysis by ClimaMeter, an independent group of climate scientists, indicated that the heatwave was 2.5 degrees Celsius warmer due to human-driven climate change, with natural variability playing a minor role. The extreme temperatures reached up to 51.8 degrees Celsius in Mecca’s Grand Mosque, significantly impacting pilgrims from various countries.
The Saudi health ministry attributed the fatalities to pre-existing conditions and the vulnerability of the pilgrims. ClimaMeter researchers emphasized that immediate actions to reduce fossil fuel combustion are crucial to avoid such tragedies in the future.
With global surface temperatures already 1.15 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, climate scientists urge for a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The upcoming UN climate conference in Baku will focus on climate finance, with developing nations demanding substantial financial support from developed countries to tackle climate change.