Climate Change Extends Extreme Heat by an Additional Month for Half the Global Population

A recent study by World Weather Attribution, Climate Central, and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre reveals that from May 2024 to May 2025, approximately 4 billion people—about half of the world’s population—experienced at least 30 extra days of extreme heat due to human-induced climate change. The Caribbean island of Aruba was notably affected, recording 187 extreme heat days—45 more than expected in a world without climate change. The study highlights that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The report emphasizes the need for early warning systems, public education, and urban planning to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, while also calling for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels to prevent further temperature increases.