Heatwaves are the most lethal extreme weather events, causing approximately 498,000 deaths annually. Nearly half of these fatalities occur in Asia, while 36 percent are attributed to Europe. Researchers estimate that when the daily average temperature surpasses 95° F, the mortality rate increases by four deaths per 1 million people.

A new report from the Climate Impact Lab predicts that by 2050, 10 times more individuals will succumb to heat-related events in lower-income countries compared to higher-income countries. This disparity arises from the limited resources available to low-income nations to effectively confront rising temperatures.

Across the Sahel, situated south of the Sahara Desert in Africa, heat-related deaths are projected to escalate by more than 60 deaths per 100,000 people, surpassing the current mortality rate attributed to malaria in Africa. Pakistan is anticipated to experience an increase of 51 deaths per 100,000 people, comparable to the country’s current mortality rate associated with strokes. The researchers recommend that countries and communities make investments in climate adaptation measures.