IFRC raise alarm on heat as summer nears
By Nidz Godino
"We are calling on governments, civil societies, young people and all stakeholders to take concrete steps around globe to help prepare countries and communities for extreme heat," International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.secretary general Jagan Chapagain extreme heat is one of the most deadly problems from climate change even though it receives less attention than other knock-on effects like hurricanes and flooding.
Year 2023 was hottest on record, with rising temperatures affecting most vulnerable populations in particular the elderly, outdoor workers and those without access to cooling systems such as air conditioners.
Red Cross and US Agency for International Development delivered their warnings against "invisible killer" of extreme heat at virtual summit, on heels of United States exiting its warmest-ever winter on record.
USAID chief Samantha Power warned in United States, "heat is already deadlier than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined."
"We are calling on development agencies, philanthropies and other donors to recognize threat extreme heat poses to humanity, and to put resources towards helping communities withstand that threat," she said.
Highlighting ongoing efforts addressing extreme temperatures, Power said USAID was supporting program to build "heat resilient schools" in Jordan, using "passive heating and cooling systems, thermal insulation, double glazed windows and air conditioning."
Climate change's effects aren't limited to already hot places like Middle East: in Europe, fastest-warming continent in the world, more than 60,000 people were estimated to have died in heat waves in 2022, noted US climate envoy John Podesta.
"Climate information and services including early warnings can save lives and assets, but one-third of world's population doesn't have access to this life-saving information " he added.
Other efforts include those in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, where nearly million trees have been planted since 2020.
"But we mustn't allow this conversation to let anyone off hook when it comes to reducing emissions," Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said.
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