Categories

Asia’s April Heatwaves Were ‘30 Times More Likely’ Because Of Climate Change: Scientists

The region witnessed temperatures above 40 degrees last month, with Bangladesh at its hottest in 50 years, Thailand registering a record 45 degrees, and Laos exceeding 42 degrees.

Supported by

Record-breaking heatwaves that hit parts of South and Southeast Asia in April were “30 times more likely” because of human-induced climate change, according to an international team of scientists.

The region witnessed temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius last month. Bangladesh was at its hottest in 50 years, Thailand registered a record 45 degrees, and Laos exceeded 42 degrees, as reported by Reuters. These high temperatures caused widespread infrastructural damage, power shortages, and a spike in heat stroke cases.

A group of scientists with the World Weather Attribution Group studied heat and humidity levels in India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Laos. They concluded they were at least 2 degrees hotter due to underlying climate change.

Humid heatwaves that used to occur once a century are now expected to happen every five years. The scientists said the heat in Thailand and Laos would have been impossible without climate change.

‘Heatwaves Not Natural’

During a media briefing on Wednesday, Chaya Vaddhanaphuti, a team member from Chiang Mai University in Thailand, said the heatwaves were not natural. “Unless we take drastic measures to reduce carbon emissions, heatwave events like this will continue to become more common,” he added.

According to the study, in some parts of the region, the estimated heat index, which factors in humidity, was close to 54 degrees, which is considered “extremely dangerous.” This level poses considerable health risks throughout the continent.

While some parts of Asia have implemented “heat action plans” to provide emergency healthcare and water or closed schools, others are unprepared and have limited access to the resources required to cope with high temperatures.

It remains unclear how many fatalities were caused by the April heatwaves. However, high temperatures in India have resulted in at least 24,000 deaths since 1992, with 90% of the country’s total area situated in “danger zones.”

Also Read: A Step Forward Towards Equality! Same-Sex Couples Granted Adoption Rights In Taiwan

https://thelogicalindian.com/h-upload/2023/05/19/500x300_231623-web-36.webp

Environment

2023-05-19 08:45:15.0

Asia’s April Heatwaves Were ‘30 Times More Likely’ Because Of Climate Change: Scientists

#PoweredByYou We bring you news and stories that are worth your attention! Stories that are relevant, reliable, contextual and unbiased. If you read us, watch us, and like what we do, then show us some love! Good journalism is expensive to produce and we have come this far only with your support. Keep encouraging independent media organisations and independent journalists. We always want to remain answerable to you and not to anyone else.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured

Amplified by

Mahindra

Nation Builders 2024 – Mahindra:  Forging a Resilient Future, Anchoring National Development

Amplified by

Reliance Foundation

How Anant Ambani’s Vantara Initiative Could Revolutionize Animal Safety & Rescue In India

Recent Stories

UPPSC Aspirants Protest for Justice: The Fight for One-Day Exams Enters Its Third Day

Bhopal’s DSP Santosh Patel Reunites with Kind Vegetable Vendor Salman Khan After 14 Years

The Mental Health Risks of Prolonged Desk Work: What You Need to Know

Contributors

Writer : 
Editor : 
Creatives :