It is estimated that around half a million people die each year from consequences related to extreme temperatures.
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Devastating wildfires in Greece and various other parts of the world are being accompanied by prolonged heat waves, drought, water shortages and unusual rainfall. According to a United Nations expert, these can no longer be considered isolated events but are signs of a new climate reality heavily influenced by climate change.
This assessment comes from Eleni Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
“There is no longer any doubt that climate change is behind all these phenomena. We are now in a new climate regime in which extreme heat occurs more frequently, lasts for longer periods and begins earlier in the year,” Myrivili says.
She warns that high temperatures are affecting a range of vital systems, including water supplies, agricultural production, energy, infrastructure and the economy.
Every year, around 2.4 billion workers, accounting for more than 70% of the global workforce, are exposed to extreme heat and face health risks. Meanwhile, global agricultural production has fallen by around 20% compared with levels in the 1960s as a result of climate change.
Myrivili, who took up her UN role in March 2023, says the response to this situation must include concrete adaptation measures.
“Cities need more green spaces and shade, while buildings must be designed to stay cool. Urban planning must also adapt to climate change. These are no longer privileges but essential infrastructure,” she says.
According to Myrivili, the funding available for climate adaptation remains far below actual needs. She stresses that the bulk of investment should focus on prevention.
The problem of massive wildfires is no longer confined to Greece or the Mediterranean region. Myrivili notes that similar events are also being recorded in Siberia and Canada.
“We continue to treat wildfires as isolated episodes, even though they are part of the new climate reality. Most spending should be directed toward prevention,” she says.
Paris has conducted a simulation based on a scenario involving temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius. The same methodology is expected to be applied in 20 other cities around the world, including Athens, New York, London, Barcelona and Melbourne.
“What concerns me is that the measures we are taking are far too limited compared with the pace at which these phenomena are developing,” Myrivili concludes.
