Global warming is causing temperatures to rise across the planet. Many places around the world are experiencing deadly heat waves and record-high temperatures never before recorded.
We are talking about southwestern Iran, in which maximum temperatures of up to 54 degrees Celsius have been reached in the city of Ahvaz, capital of Khuzestan Province. This event could be verified as a record temperature in that country, as well as the highest temperature for a month of June in the entire Asian continent and possibly the highest temperature recorded since temperature records began.
Extreme temperatures in Iran
As we know, with global warming, temperatures are getting higher and heat waves are becoming more frequent and damaging. According to The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang blog, the high temperature data was released by MeteoFrance meteorologist Etienne Kapikian. The meteorologist posted a tweet: where he states that Ahvaz reached 53,7 degrees Celsius (128,7 degrees Fahrenheit). This is nothing less than a new national record. It is the highest temperature ever recorded in June on the Asian continent and, according to studies on the global warming Nowadays, this phenomenon is becoming increasingly frequent.
Although this temperature was not actually the highest record reached, but rather at 4.51 local time, it reached 54 degrees. The web states that, due to the humidity, the index or sensation of heat was much more suffocating: 61,2 degree.
According to The Washington Post, if that figure is accurate and verified, it would be the hottest temperature ever documented on Earth in modern times along with the 54 degrees also experienced in Mitribah (Kuwait) in 2016. As you can see, temperatures continue to rise due to global warming and the threatened deserts This situation shows how climate change is affecting various ecosystems.
Heat waves worldwide
The heat wave sweeping across the Northern Hemisphere as it approaches the height of summer is testing the limits of human survival in the hottest places on Earth. The extreme scenarios projected by multiple studies in recent years, in the context of accelerating global warming, are not only increasingly possible and probable, but also a reality with disastrous consequences. An analysis of the effects of climate change in different populations reveals an increase in these phenomena, which has been alarming in many parts of the world.
As extreme temperatures have increased, many countries have recorded record numbers. For example, China has reached a record high of nearly 52 degrees Celsius, while California's Death Valley, for many years the hottest place on Earth, has reached temperatures of 53,3 degrees. Meanwhile, at Iran's Gulf International Airport, the wind chill reached 66,7 degrees, conditions that experts say are beyond the body's ability to regulate its internal temperature.
A study of Lancet Planet Health It highlights that Iran is the country in the Middle East and North Africa most vulnerable per capita to heat-related deaths, with an average of 1.700 deaths annually. This figure could rise dramatically to 423 deaths per 100.000 inhabitants by 2060 if global greenhouse gas emissions remain high.
Factors behind the increase in extreme temperatures
Iran's climate situation is a clear indicator of how global warming has intensified weather conditions. Iranian meteorological authorities have expressed concern that temperatures in Iran are rising twice as fast as the global average, in contrast to a decrease in rainfall. This combination of high temperatures and low humidity has led to a disastrous drought situation in the country. As mentioned in research on drought in different regions, the scarcity of water resources is aggravated by climate change and the impact this can have on the health and well-being of the population.
Water scarcity, which experts say is largely due to decades of mismanagement, is a long-standing problem. However, it has become more serious as climate change accelerates. The extreme conditions are making Iran one of the world's least habitable nations, reflecting the dire situation of the effects of climate change in other regionsIt is predicted that living in Iran will be extremely difficult by 2050. According to reports, up to 70% of the population, or nearly 50 million Iranians, could be forced to leave the country to survive.
Consequences for health and the economy
The magnitude of heat waves not only affects ecosystems but also has direct effects on human health and well-being. Experts have warned that exposure to extreme heat levels can cause serious health problems, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions. Extreme heat has proven to be lethal, and projections indicate that as the climate continues to warm, the number of heat-related deaths will continue to rise. In addition, a study on natural disasters shows that heat waves are beginning to become more frequent in various parts of the world.
In addition, intense heat affects the farmingRegions that depend on agriculture are seeing a negative impact on their crops, which not only affects the local economy but can also impact national and global food security. With agricultural production declining, food prices are rising, making it more difficult for vulnerable communities to access what they need to survive. This phenomenon is in line with what is currently happening in regions affected by climate change.
Cultural and architectural adaptations in Iran
Despite the harsh climate conditions, the Iranian people have found ways to adapt. For example, the city of Yazd is famous for its badguirs or wind catcher towers, ventilation towers that help cool homes. These structures are a testament to human ingenuity and have allowed the inhabitants of this warm region to live a little more comfortably over the centuries. This type of architecture is part of a study on How cultures adapt to climate change and the increasingly frequent extreme temperatures.
In Yazd, traditional homes are made of adobe, a clay and mud-based material, which provides excellent thermal insulation. However, as new modern construction replaces traditional methods, there is a risk of losing this rich architectural heritage. It is crucial to find ways to preserve this architectural tradition in the context of the current situation. climate change, as cultural adaptation can be key to addressing climate challenges.
The city, recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List, demonstrates how architecture can play a crucial role in sustainable development. qanatsUnderground canal systems that transport water are another integral part of the country's adaptation to its desert environment. But their use has declined significantly, jeopardizing a system that has functioned for millennia and could be key to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Measures needed to mitigate the climate crisis
Climate change in Iran, as in other parts of the world, requires urgent and concerted action. The World Health Organization has warned of the danger of extreme temperatures and urged governments to implement robust surveillance systems to protect vulnerable populations, including those with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and diabetes.
Recommendations include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy. Water management is a critical aspect that also requires immediate attention. Policies that address the overuse of water resources are essential to maintaining the long-term viability of agriculture and everyday life, something that has been widely discussed in the context of the climate change in different regions.
It is imperative that both Iran and the rest of the world recognize the urgency of the climate crisis.The implications of climate change are global and require international collaboration to develop sustainable solutions and reduce the risk of future natural disasters. This includes investment in resilient infrastructure, climate change education, and the promotion of sustainable practices at all levels of society. As discussed in articles on resilient infrastructureAddressing the problem from multiple angles offers opportunities to improve communities' resilience to extreme temperatures and ensure a safer future for all. It is clear that the climate crisis is an ongoing process that, if not properly addressed, could wreak havoc on the lives of millions of people in Iran and around the world. Nature has begun to show signs of fatigue, and it is our responsibility to work to mitigate its impact.
