Upcoming Heat Waves: Countries That Will Suffer The Most, According to Global Study

A new study has identified regions around the world that are most at risk and unprepared for the devastating effects of scorching temperatures.

Life-threatening heatwaves are likely to sweep the world this century amid fears of worsening climate change.

A new study by researchers at the University of Bristol and published in the journal Nature Communications shows that unprecedented temperature extremes, combined with social and economic vulnerability, are making some regions, such as Afghanistan and Central America, even more vulnerable.

Countries that have not yet experienced the most severe heat waves are often particularly vulnerable, as adaptation measures are often introduced only after the event has occurred.

The high likelihood of record temperatures, a growing population, limited health care and energy supplies increase the risks.

Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea and Central America top the list of the most affected countries.

The study notes that these grim conclusions were drawn after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, where, according to the World Health Organization, the health care system is now on the verge of collapse.

The study also found that limited health care and climate change preparation also played a big role in vulnerability in Papua New Guinea and Central America such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

“Preparation saves lives,” said Dan Mitchell, professor of atmospheric science at the Cabot Institute for the Environment at the University of Bristol, who co-authored the study. “We’ve seen the most unexpected heatwaves around the world lead to heat waves.” the number of related deaths is in the tens of thousands.” “We have shown that such record-breaking events can happen anywhere. Governments around the world must be prepared.”

The experts found that “statistically implausible cases of radicalization” occurred in 31% of the regions analyzed between 1959 and 2021.

This temperature anomaly has no clear pattern, raising fears that radicalization “can happen anywhere, anytime.”

Experts point out that countries that have been lucky enough to avoid the worst extremism so far are at greatest risk in the future due to a lack of protection in the past.

The Chinese provinces of Beijing, Hebei and Tianjin have been designated as problem areas, as well as Khabarovsk Krai in eastern Russia.

However, the analysis of African countries, North Korea and some other countries was limited by the lack of available and usable data.

Experts also acknowledge that climatic conditions may vary within the risk countries listed depending on local extreme events and weather conditions.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Vicki Thompson, a climate scientist at the Environmental Institute. Cabot Cabot of the University of Bristol, explained: “As heat waves become more frequent, we need to be better prepared.” Developing countries, some of which are already very hot. We need to ask if heat action plans are sufficient for these regions.”

Source: Daily Mail