UN chief appeals for global action to tackle deadly extreme heat

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent global action to address the escalating crisis of extreme heat, which he describes as “the new abnormal.” He highlighted the severe impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, economies, and global development goals, noting that nearly half a million people die annually due to heat-related issues, significantly more than from tropical cyclones. Guterres' appeal follows record-breaking global temperatures, with the average surface air temperature recently reaching 17.16 Celsius. He emphasized the need for comprehensive Heat Action Plans tailored to local conditions and urged governments to enhance protections for workers at risk of extreme heat, particularly in developing regions.

The UN's coordinated response involves ten specialized agencies focusing on four key areas: protecting vulnerable communities, improving occupational safety, enhancing infrastructure resilience, and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. Guterres stressed the importance of providing low-carbon cooling solutions and better urban design to mitigate heat effects. He also pointed out that existing measures, such as heat health warning systems, could save thousands of lives annually. The Secretary-General warned that the current pace of global warming is outstripping efforts to combat it, urging immediate and concerted action to safeguard lives and livelihoods. He expressed hope that the increasing visibility of heat-related impacts on wealthier nations would catalyze decisive action.