heat Archives - Disasters News

Mar122025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Extreme Heat in Eastern Africa Climate Change Worsens Crisis in South Sudan

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A severe heatwave has gripped Eastern Africa since mid-February, with South Sudan facing extreme daytime temperatures that have devastated vulnerable communities. Schools have been shut nationwide after dozens of children collapsed from heatstroke in Juba, while outdoor workers and those in poor housing conditions struggle to cope with the relentless heat. The heatwave has exacerbated existing hardships in South Sudan, where a third of Juba’s population lacks access to clean water, and only 1% of the city offers green spaces for respite. Houses, often built with iron roofs and no cooling systems, trap heat, making indoor conditions nearly unbearable. Women and girls face disproportionate risks as they spend hours working in agriculture, collecting water, and cooking in extreme temperatu...

Feb172025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Earth Surpasses 1.5°C Warming Threshold in 2024, Entering Era of Sustained Global Heat

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Fact Check

In 2024, the average annual global temperature anomaly officially surpassed the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, marking a significant milestone in the planet’s long-term warming trend. Climate change researchers now suggest that the world has entered a phase of sustained warming, with drastic implications for global ecosystems and societies. The temperature limit of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels set as a target by the Paris Agreement in 2015 was originally intended to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. However, almost every month in recent years has individually surpassed this threshold, signaling that the goal is now nearly impossible to meet. Data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealed that the average global temperature in 2024 reached appr...

Feb142025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

B.C. Health Workers Face Mounting Climate Crisis Strain

Breaking News, Climate Actions

British Columbia has faced a series of climate-related extreme weather events in recent years, with severe consequences for both residents and health services. The 2021 heat dome led to over 600 heat-related deaths and overwhelmed emergency services, while wildfires caused increased illnesses and forced the evacuation of thousands. B.C.’s health system, already strained by staffing shortages and burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic, has worked to respond to these emergencies. However, many health service workers reported physical and mental health challenges during and after climate events. Front-line staff, such as paramedics and home health workers, faced exposure to heat and poor air quality, especially when facilities lacked proper cooling and air filtration systems. The mental tol...

Jan212025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: One Can Turn Deadly

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Thoughts & Talks

As global temperatures rise heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are becoming more common. While they may seem similar at first, the difference between these two conditions could mean life or death, experts warn. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body struggles to cool down, typically due to prolonged exposure to heat or intense physical activity. The core temperature rises, but remains under 40°C. Symptoms include weakness, nausea, intense thirst, and dizziness, but the individual’s mental clarity remains unaffected. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is far more severe and classified as a medical emergency. When the body’s core temperature surpasses 40°C, the results can be catastrophic, with symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. With...

Sep102024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Summer 2024 Becomes Hottest on Record, Likely Making 2024 Warmest Year Ever

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Summer 2024 has officially sweltered its way to becoming the hottest on record, according to the European climate service Copernicus. This milestone adds to the mounting evidence that 2024 is on track to be the warmest year ever measured by humanity. While a temporary La Niña event a cooling phenomenon affecting parts of the central Pacific is forecast for the last four months of the year, it’s unlikely to offset the unprecedented heat experienced throughout the year. Despite this cooling effect, the trend of extreme warmth is expected to continue, making it increasingly probable that 2024 will surpass all previous annual temperature records. Carlo Buontempo, a climate scientist at Copernicus, noted that while part of the record heat from last year was driven by the El Niño event, th...