A new global review reveals that climate change has doubled the number of heatwaves worldwide, with Africa bearing the brunt. Between May 2024 and May 2025, nearly 4 billion people endured 30 extra days of extreme heat. In addition, there were 67 extreme heat events, of which 14 affected African nations. An extreme heat event causes harm to people and property. Using advanced climate modelling, scientists confirmed that these scorching temperatures—like the Sahel’s temperature spike to 50°C—were far more likely due to human-driven warming. With 42 African countries impacted, and some facing over 90 extreme heat days, the findings call for urgent climate action and funding. Experts warn that unless fossil fuel emissions are cut, adaptation alone won’t be enough.
The Conversation
