A recent study has revealed a concerning trend of increasing extremely hot days in the world's largest capital cities, driven by rising temperatures across Asia amidst the worsening climate crisis. The analysis conducted by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) found that the 20 most populous cities globally have experienced a 52% surge in days surpassing 35 degrees Celsius over the past three decades.
The impact of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions is evident as major capital cities, from Buenos Aires to Paris and Cairo, are facing more frequent extreme heat days with each passing decade. The phenomenon is exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, where cities, through extensive infrastructure, retain more heat compared to natural landscapes.
Asian cities, constituting half of the world's most populous capitals, have witnessed significant temperature increases, leading to recent heat waves across the continent. The vulnerability of Asia to climate risks is attributed to its high population density, poverty levels, and a substantial number of residents living in low-lying areas prone to natural disasters like flooding and sea-level rise.
New Delhi emerged as the hottest city, recording a staggering 4,222 days above 35 degrees Celsius in the last 30 years. The trend is escalating, with nearly half of the days in the Indian capital meeting the extreme heat threshold between 2014 and 2023.
Other cities like Jakarta, Seoul, and Beijing have also experienced a surge in extremely hot days, with Jakarta witnessing a notable increase from 28 days to 167 days over 35 degrees Celsius in the past three decades. The prolonged exposure to high temperatures poses severe risks to public health, economies, and infrastructure.
Extreme heat can have fatal consequences, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the homeless, young children, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. The economic repercussions are substantial, affecting agriculture, labor productivity, and infrastructure integrity. Responding to the challenge of extreme heat necessitates decisive action from policymakers, including substantial investments to adapt to the changing climate reality.
As cities grapple with the escalating heat crisis, the urgency for political will and effective governance tools to address climate change becomes increasingly paramount.