“Rising Temperatures: Extreme Heat Days in Phoenix, Belém, and Kolkata”

Extreme heat is becoming a major concern around the world, with cities like Phoenix, Ariz., Belém, Brazil, and Kolkata, India experiencing a significant increase in the number of days with extreme heat. According to a recent analysis by The Washington Post and CarbonPlan, by 2050, over 5 billion people will be exposed to at least a month of health-threatening extreme heat when outdoors in the sun.

The analysis used a metric called wet-bulb globe temperature, which combines temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind to evaluate how heat harms the human body. A threshold of 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit was used to delineate extremely risky heat, where even healthy adults can suffer heat stress after being active outside for more than 15 minutes in an hour.

In 2050, Phoenix, Ariz. is projected to have 102 days with extreme heat, Belém, Brazil is projected to have 222 days, and Kolkata, India is projected to have 188 days. These numbers highlight the growing risk of extreme heat exposure in these regions.

The analysis also showed that the impacts of extreme heat will be felt most acutely in poor countries in already hot regions, where widespread air conditioning and advanced health-care systems are lacking. This inequality in resources will make it challenging for vulnerable populations to cope with the increasing heat.

Experts emphasize the need for interventions to protect outdoor workers, who are often based in the hottest and most at-risk countries. Training workers to pace themselves, take rest breaks, and providing protective gear can help mitigate the impact of extreme heat on their health.

Overall, extreme heat poses a significant threat to human health and well-being, with the potential to cause a range of health issues from heat stress to chronic conditions. Addressing this challenge will require a coordinated effort to protect vulnerable populations and adapt to the changing climate conditions.