In a rapidly changing world burdened by severe climate change, extreme heat waves have become an unavoidable reality, profoundly affecting our daily lives, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The effects of this phenomenon are not limited to rising temperatures, but pose a direct and serious threat to human health.
Summer 2024: The hottest since records began
According to the European Copernicus Climate Monitoring Service, the summer of 2024 was recorded as the hottest summer on record since the pre-industrial era. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa have experienced unprecedented heat waves, with record temperatures in Iraq, Egypt, Kuwait, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Last week, the UAE recorded a temperature of 51.6 degrees Celsius, the highest for May since climate data began being recorded. Tragically, hundreds of pilgrims died during the 2024 Hajj season in Saudi Arabia as a result of temperatures exceeding 51 degrees Celsius.
Health effects of extreme heat waves
Cardiovascular risks:
Heat stress strains blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in the elderly and those with pre-existing heart disease.
Severe dehydration:
The loss of large amounts of fluids leads to disruption of vital functions, causing dizziness, severe headaches, and fatigue. In extreme cases, it can lead to seizures and dangerously low blood pressure.
heat stress:
Symptoms include profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, and nausea. If not treated quickly, it can develop into heatstroke.
Sunstroke:
A medical emergency that occurs when the body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius and causes confusion, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
Sunburn:
Prolonged exposure to UV rays leads to painful burns that appear as redness and swelling, and may develop into blisters.
Respiratory problems:
Extreme heat and humidity exacerbate respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to breathing difficulties, wheezing and coughing.
Who is most at risk during heat waves?
Children and the elderly:
Vulnerable groups such as infants and the elderly are the most susceptible to heat stress, as their bodies do not adapt quickly to high temperatures, increasing the risk of death due to dehydration. Heat-related deaths among the over-65s increased by 85% between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021.
Pregnant women:
High temperatures can lead to serious complications such as premature birth or low birth weight, and may induce preterm labor or high blood pressure, increasing the risk of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
Outdoor workers:
Workers who work in direct sunlight, such as construction and agricultural workers, are at high risk of heat stress. According to a recent report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), 70% of the global workforce is exposed to climate hazards that result in hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.
Adapting to challenges: Protection starts with awareness
Rising temperatures are a growing challenge for humanity, requiring an urgent and comprehensive response from governments, communities and individuals alike. As heatwaves become more frequent, it is essential to understand prevention and personal protection methods to ensure safety during periods of extreme heat.
Source: Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa
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