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Deadly Indian heatwave made 30 times more likely by climate crisis
(The Guardian, 23 May 2022) Soaring temperatures in subcontinent, which have caused widespread suffering, would be extraordinarily rare without global heating.
The heatwave scorching India and Pakistan has been made 30 times more likely by the climate crisis, according to scientists. Extreme temperatures and low rainfall since mid-March have caused widespread suffering, including deaths, crop losses, forest fires, and cuts to power and water supplies.
The study is the latest to show the already severe impacts of global heating on millions of people, even though the global average temperature has risen only 1.2C above pre-industrial levels to date. If it rises to 2C, heatwaves as intense as the current one would be expected as often as every five years in India and Pakistan, the scientists estimated.
March was the hottest in India since records began 122 years ago and Pakistan also saw record temperatures. March was also extremely dry, with 71% less rain than normal over India and 62% less in Pakistan. The heatwave intensified in April and peak temperatures of about 50C were seen in May.
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The Guardian, 23 May 2022: Deadly Indian heatwave made 30 times more likely by climate crisis
