This year's El Niño-driven heat could cause nearly half a million more deaths, group says
A new report from the Climate Impact Lab warns that El Niño-driven heat could cause nearly 451,000 additional deaths globally by February 2027. The study highlights that poorer nations with less access to cooling and healthcare are at the highest risk.
Why it matters
Climate-driven mortality projections underscore the urgent need for global health infrastructure and climate adaptation strategies in vulnerable regions.
BENGALURU, India - This year's powerful El Ni o and the record global heat it's driving, along with severe droughts, wildfires and shrinking water supplies, could lead to nearly half a million more deaths worldwide by the end of February, according to a research report released Wednesday.The grim warning by the University of Chicago-based Climate Impact Lab says that as many as 451,000 more heat-related deaths between June and the end of February could be attributed to El Ni o, compared with heat deaths expected in a typical year.The heaviest toll, the group says, is expected in poorer countries, already struggling with food insecurity and high energy costs, partly due to climate change and the fallout of the war in Iran.Michael Greenstone, a co-founder of the group and the study's co-author, said the heat danger will likely persist beyond February - even though this El Ni o is expected to…
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