Mexico Heatwave that Kills 125, Possibly Caused by Human-Induced Global Warming, Says Scientist

Deadly heat waves in the United States, Mexico, and Central America have become 35 times more likely due to global warming, according to climate scientists.

The World Weather Attribution (WWA) group found that the extreme heat in May and June was four times more likely now than 25 years ago.

This heat has killed at least 125 people in Mexico and caused numerous heat strokes, according to Aljazeera.

WWA warns that ongoing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions will expose millions more to dangerous heat levels.

This year is already the hottest on record, with extreme temperatures even before summer's start.

Impact of Extreme Heat

Heat is identified as the deadliest form of extreme weather, often underestimated despite its severe impact on vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

In Mexico and Central America, poor housing conditions and limited access to cooling services worsen its effects, especially in informal settlements.

The stability of the electricity supply, crucial for healthcare facilities, is also threatened by extreme heat.

An intense and persistent Mexico heat wave has led to numerous deaths and over 2,300 cases of heat-related illnesses this year alone.

Wildlife in southern Mexico, including howler monkeys and tropical birds, has succumbed to the extreme temperatures, exacerbating water scarcity amid drought conditions.

Migrants and construction workers endure additional hardships under the relentless sun.

Margarita Salazar Pérez, 82, described her struggle without air conditioning as temperatures soared, illustrating the widespread impact on daily life, AP News reports.

The occurrence and intensity of heat waves are on the rise due to climate change, as highlighted by the WWA study across regions like southern California, Arizona, and Central America.

Record-breaking temperatures and unprecedented warm nights underscore the influence of global warming.

The heat wave has exacerbated socio-economic disparities, with marginalized communities facing greater risks due to inadequate cooling resources.

Future warming will likely intensify these events, necessitating robust heat safety laws, resilient infrastructure, and improved urban planning.

As global temperatures rise, urgent measures are crucial to protect those most vulnerable to increasingly common and deadly heat waves.

Human-Caused Climate Change Raises Heat Wave Frequency, Posing Dire Risks for Central America and Mexico

The analysis comes from World Weather Attribution, a research group specializing in rapid attribution studies.

These studies quickly determine how much human-caused climate change, fueled by activities like burning fossil fuels, contributes to severe weather events such as heat waves and floods, CBC News noted.

According to their findings, today's climate makes such heat waves expected every 15 years, compared to approximately once every 60 years under conditions resembling the year 2000.

This means residents in parts of Central America, Mexico, and the southern US could experience five to six heat waves in their lifetime, with increasing frequency as global temperatures rise.

Beyond the daytime highs that garnered attention, the analysis emphasized the significant impact of high nighttime temperatures on health and comfort.

Researchers found that nighttime temperatures in Central and North America are now 200 times more likely due to human-caused climate change.

The study underscores the vulnerability of Central America and Mexico, which lack resources compared to wealthier nations like the US, which have dedicated climate officials and governance systems to address extreme heat.

Karina Izquierdo of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, part of the study, highlighted disparities in heat adaptation and infrastructure.

The research urges communities to prepare heat warning systems, protective laws for outdoor workers, reliable electricity, and improved urban planning to mitigate future heat waves.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Climate change turbocharged killer heat wave in Southwest US and Mexico, researchers say - From WBNS 10TV