'Human-induced' Climate Change Behind Deadly Sahel Heatwave: Study

[Social Media]

 

The recent deadly heatwave that struck Africa's Sahel region has been attributed to "human-induced" climate change, according to a study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group. The heatwave, which occurred in early April and affected Mali and Burkina Faso, saw temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius and resulted in numerous deaths.

 

The study conducted by WWA utilized observations and climate models to determine that such extreme heatwaves would have been impossible without the global warming of 1.2°C attributed to human-induced climate change. Additionally, the report indicated that the April heatwave would have been 1.4°C cooler if not for human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

 

The extreme heat event was described as a once-in-a-200-year occurrence, but the study warned that such trends are likely to continue with future warming. Despite the population's acclimatization to high temperatures, the length and severity of the heatwave led to increased deaths and hospitalizations.

 

Due to a lack of comprehensive data, the exact number of deaths resulting from the heatwave remains uncertain. However, the WWA suggested that there were likely hundreds, if not thousands, of heat-related casualties.

 

The Sahel region has been grappling with challenges such as drought since the 1970s, along with periods of intense rainfall from the 1990s. These environmental changes, coupled with issues like dwindling water and pasture availability and the development of agricultural land, have significantly disrupted the lives of pastoral communities. Moreover, these challenges have contributed to the emergence of armed groups and territorial disputes in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

 

2024-04-19

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[thaibeachlovers]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

The recent deadly heatwave that struck Africa's Sahel region has been attributed to "human-induced" climate change, according to a study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group.

Was that Santa I just saw flying past my window or a pig?

[candide]

5 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Was that Santa I just saw flying past my window or a pig?

You forgot to take your meds again? 😁