UN Chief Calls for Global Action on Extreme Heat Crisis
The UN's call highlights the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing the growing threat of extreme heat to public health and safety.
GENEVA— United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a Call to Action on extreme heat Thursday, responding to rising temperatures' deadly impacts worldwide, writes Winston Mwale.
The initiative outlines four key areas: protecting the vulnerable, safeguarding workers, enhancing resilience through data and science, and limiting global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
"Extreme heat is the most visible effect of climate change, everyone is affected," said Dr. Maria Neira, Director of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization (WHO).
Heat stress, the leading cause of weather-related deaths, claimed an estimated 489,000 lives annually between 2000 and 2019.
Prolonged heat exposure exacerbates underlying health conditions and can lead to heat stroke, a potentially fatal emergency.
However, experts emphasize that heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable.
WHO estimates that implementing heat health-warning systems in 57 countries could save nearly 100,000 lives yearly.
The organization co-sponsors the Global Heat Health Information Network, which shares knowledge on protecting communities from extreme heat.
Recommended actions include:
- Raising public awareness on cooling methods
- Developing heat-ready social protection and health systems
- Expanding heat-health warning systems
- Promoting nature-based solutions in urban areas
The UN's call highlights the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing the growing threat of extreme heat to public health and safety.
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