A recent analysis by Climate Central revealed that Canadians faced an increase in “risky heat” days this summer due to climate change. The report highlighted that on average, Canadians experienced 13 additional days of heightened heat between June and August. These days were classified as exceeding temperatures hotter than 90% of local temperatures recorded from 1991 to 2020.
The study pointed out that globally, the impact was more severe, with 955 million people enduring 30 or more extra days of “risky heat” attributed to climate change. The definition of “risky heat” varied among cities depending on their typical summer temperatures. For instance, cities like Vancouver and Windsor, Ont., had different thresholds for what constituted risky heat.
This year saw devastating heatwaves in Canada and Europe, leading to a substantial number of heat-related deaths. The scorching temperatures also triggered wildfires, which contributed to air pollution and premature deaths. The analysis emphasized that climate change has significantly altered the frequency of extreme heat days, emphasizing the urgency for reducing fossil fuel emissions to mitigate further impacts.
Experts warn that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly noticeable, with projections indicating a significant temperature rise in the next two decades. They stress the need for immediate action to adapt to the changing climate, including enhancing access to air conditioning, implementing policies for outdoor workers, and providing community support during extreme heat events. They emphasize that delaying emission reduction efforts will result in more severe consequences for communities and the environment.
