El Nino could cause 451,000 extra heat deaths, estimates say

Published 1w ago · Updated 6d ago

Covered in 8 countries

AI summary55s readNegative

A super El Nino weather pattern threatens to cause over 450,000 excess heat deaths worldwide by February.

Projections from the Climate Impact Lab indicate that this year's powerful El Nino weather pattern could trigger 451,000 additional heat-related deaths worldwide through February. The warming phenomenon is amplifying human-induced climate change and pushing global land temperatures 1.2 degrees Celsius above normal. Developing nations across the Global South, including the Sahel region, India, and Southeast Asia, are expected to bear the brunt of the extreme temperatures.

Developing countries are projected to experience the highest concentration of heat-related fatalities during the June to February period.
Researchers utilized data tracking the relationship between temperature and excess mortality across thousands of regions to form their estimates.
The Sahel region in Africa faces an estimated 66,800 additional heat deaths, with nearly half of those concentrated in Nigeria.
Global land temperatures are expected to run significantly above normal, producing 44 percent more extremely hot days than a regular year.

By the numbers

451,000additional heat-related deaths

66,800additional heat deaths in the Sahel region

15,800projected additional heat deaths in India

44percentage increase in extremely hot days

Why it matters

Extreme weather driven by climate change poses mounting public health challenges, prompting international bodies to urge preventative measures such as cooling centres and early warnings. Understanding localized mortality risks helps humanitarian organisations deploy life-saving resources before extreme temperatures peak.

What outlets agree on

Major outlets agree that a powerful El Nino combined with climate change could cause around 451,000 excess heat-related deaths worldwide by February, with developing nations hit hardest.

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In this story

Extreme weatherClimate Impact LabUniversity of ChicagoSahelIndiaNigeria

Covered by 8 outlets

63% of the sources are Left

63%38%

Lean ratings via Media Bias/Fact Check, Ad Fontes Media

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