World is Boiling! Drastic Heatwave Impacts in Travel and Tourism Industry and Nearly 5 Billion People Globally in June

Friday, June 28, 2024

In June, nearly five billion people worldwide, including 619 million from India, faced extreme and drastic heat driven by climate change and the whole world is boing, according to Climate Central. The report highlighted that over 60% of the global population experienced heat levels made three times more likely by climate change. India endured one of its hottest heatwaves, recording over 40,000 heat stroke cases and more than 100 deaths. The intense heat also impacted China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil, Bangladesh, the US, Europe, Mexico, Ethiopia, and Egypt. This alarming heatwave data underscores the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves.

In June, nearly five billion people worldwide, including 619 million from India, experienced extreme heat driven by climate change. This alarming data comes from a new analysis by Climate Central, an independent group of scientists based in the United States. The blistering heat impacted not just India but also China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil, Bangladesh, the US, Europe, Mexico, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

Thai Meteorological Department Issues Heat and Haze Warning Across Thailand

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning about the extreme weather conditions in Thailand, with temperatures soaring up to 43°C in the northern regions. Residents are advised to stay indoors to avoid heat-related illnesses. Over the next 24 hours, the entire upper region of Thailand will experience widespread hot conditions with clear skies at midday.

Additionally, the northern, northeastern, and central regions are facing moderate to high levels of dust and haze due to weak winds. Bangkok will see temperatures ranging from 27-39°C with clear skies. The Northern Region will experience very hot weather with temperatures reaching 43°C. Similar conditions are expected in the Northeastern and Central Regions. The Eastern Region may face isolated thunderstorms with temperatures up to 40°C. Both coasts of the Southern Region will have scattered thunderstorms and temperatures up to 39°C. Sea waves are expected to remain below 1 meter, except in thunderstorm areas.

Extreme Heatwave Warning Issued for Parts of United Kingdom

The UK Met Office has issued an amber extreme heatwave warning for southern and central England and parts of Wales from Thursday to Sunday. Vulnerable people’s health may deteriorate, impacting national and international travel. The Thames River is warming faster than expected, with a recent tragedy involving a 14-year-old attempting to swim. The UK is experiencing its driest weather since 1935, with the south-east recording 144 days of minimal rainfall this year. A level two alert has been issued, emphasizing the need for social and medical care. Wildfires have burned over five hectares, with significant outbreaks in Ipswich, Northamptonshire, and Reading. The UN’s climate science body states this is the hottest period in 125,000 years. Water companies are urged to manage resources and address leaks urgently.

Global Impact of Extreme Heatwave

The report by Climate Central revealed that over 60% of the world’s population faced extreme heat, which was made at least three times more likely by climate change between June 16-24. Andrew Pershing, chief program officer at Climate Central, stated, “More than a century of burning coal, oil, and natural gas has given us an increasingly dangerous world. The heat waves around the world this summer are unnatural disasters that will become more common until carbon pollution stops.”

Climate Central’s Climate Shift Index (CSI) determines the influence of climate change on temperatures globally. The analysis showed that 4.97 billion people experienced extreme heat reaching CSI levels of at least 3, indicating that climate change made these temperatures at least three times more likely to occur.

Sydney Faces Record-Breaking Marine Heatwave

Sydney is experiencing an “extreme marine heatwave,” with ocean temperatures nearing record levels for January, driven by the climate crisis. Professor Moninya Roughan of the University of New South Wales noted that sea temperatures off Sydney are approaching an “all-time high” since records began 80 years ago. Satellite data from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology showed sea temperatures up to 3°C higher than normal, reaching 25°C in some areas. Prof Roughan anticipates this will be the hottest January on record. Marine ecologist Prof Rob Harcourt warned that warmer seas could drastically impact marine life, shrinking habitats for animals like seals and sharks. Rising ocean temperatures, linked to increased marine heatwaves, have already caused unprecedented whale entanglements in fishing gear.

Severe Heatwave in India Claims Lives of Millions

India, which experienced one of its hottest and longest heat waves, recorded over 40,000 suspected heat stroke cases and more than 100 heat-related deaths. The intense heat overwhelmed the water supply system and power grids, with Delhi facing a severe water crisis.

According to the India Meteorological Department, around 40% of the country recorded double the number of heatwave days than usual during the April to June period. Temperatures breached 50 degrees Celsius in parts of Rajasthan, with nighttime temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Celsius in many places. In Delhi, which logged 40 consecutive days of temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius since May 13, there have been around 60 heat-related deaths this year.

Global Heatwave Effects Travel And Tourism Industry

In Saudi Arabia, at least 1,300 people died from heat-related illnesses during the annual Haj pilgrimage, with temperatures surpassing 50 degrees Celsius in some cities. Climate Central’s analysis found that the city of Mecca experienced temperatures made at least three times more likely due to climate change every day since May 18, and five times more likely since May 24. A previous analysis by climate scientists at Climameter, an European Union-funded initiative, found that climate change made the heat wave in Saudi Arabia up to 2.5 degrees Celsius hotter.

Back to Back Heatwave in United States of America cripples Travel and Tourism Industry

The United States experienced two back-to-back heat episodes during the last two weeks of June. The first heat wave affected the southern part of the country, Mexico, and countries in Central America. In Mexico, at least 125 people died, with temperatures reaching 52 degrees Celsius in the Sonora state on June 21. A study by the World Weather Attribution group found that climate change made the United States extreme heat of May and June 35 times more likely.

In Egypt, high temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius have been recorded in recent days. In the southern province of Aswan, at least 40 people have died. The high temperatures caused a surge in energy consumption across the country, forcing the government to impose daily power cuts to avoid overloading the electrical grid.

Greece’s Record Heatwave: Risks and Respite for Summer Travelers

Greece is experiencing its earliest recorded heatwave, posing significant risks for tourists. Recent fatalities, including a TV presenter and visitors from the US and Netherlands, underscore the dangers. British travelers, a major part of Greece’s tourism, are advised to heed local advisories. Despite the heat, Greece remains a popular destination, with tourist arrivals peaking at 874,000 in March. Nightlife offers a welcome escape from daytime heat, with lively beach bars, rooftop parties, and traditional tavernas across islands like Mykonos and Corfu. As temperatures rise, Greece’s vibrant evenings ensure a memorable and cooler experience for tourists.

Impact on Travel and Tourism Industry

The extreme heat has significant implications for the travel and tourism industry. As global temperatures rise, popular tourist destinations are becoming less attractive due to unbearable heat. Travelers are likely to reconsider their plans, opting for cooler destinations or traveling during off-peak seasons to avoid extreme weather conditions. This shift could impact tourism-dependent economies, particularly in regions like India, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, which are experiencing severe heatwaves.

Tour operators and travel agencies must adapt by offering more flexible travel options, including destinations with milder climates and travel packages designed to avoid the peak heat seasons. Additionally, the hospitality industry needs to ensure adequate cooling facilities and provide safety guidelines for tourists to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Climate Change and the Urgency for Action Due to Heatwave

The findings from Climate Central underscore the urgent need for global action to address climate change. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves highlight the dangers of continuing to burn fossil fuels. Reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources are critical steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Governments, businesses, and individuals must collaborate to implement sustainable practices, reduce carbon footprints, and invest in climate resilience. Policies promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help stabilize global temperatures.

The extreme heat experienced by nearly five billion people in June, including 619 million in India, is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. The travel and tourism industry must adapt to these changing conditions by offering safer and more comfortable travel options. Immediate and sustained action to reduce carbon emissions is essential to prevent further climate-related disasters and protect global populations.

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