Extreme heat occurrences doubled since 1980s

The number of days per year that it got 50 degrees Celsius or warmer anywhere on Earth has almost doubled since the 1980s, the BBC reports on the basis of its own research. The extremely high temperatures are also reached in more and more places on Earth.

Between 1980 and 2009, it grew on average 14 days a year somewhere on Earth warmer than 50 degrees Celsius. Between 2010 and 2019, that number increased to 26 days per year.

In each intervening decade there was an increase in the number of extremely hot days. In addition, the average maximum temperature worldwide increased by half a degree. The limit of 45 degrees Celsius was also reached more often. Between 2010 and 2019, this was found to be more common two weeks a year.

Temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius are mainly found in the Middle East and in the Gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The researchers attribute the increase in the number of extremely hot days “for 100 percent” to the use of fossil fuels. Which is more ‘useful’ than true.

This summer, Italy and Canada recorded heat records of almost 50 degrees Celsius. Scientists warn that other areas may also face these high temperatures if the use of fossil fuels does not decrease.

According to a study by the American Rutgers University, 1.2 billion people suffer from extreme weather around the year 2100. That’s four times as much as it is right now. Also, wildfires and extreme drought are more likely to be caused by extreme heat.