Extreme heat is a growing threat to health, jobs and food security in southern Africa – study looks for practical solutions
A recent study found that extreme heat is a growing threat to health, jobs, and food security in southern Africa, particularly for those least able to cope. The region has already seen a 1.0-1.5°C rise in average surface temperatures since 1961, with a further 4.5-5°C increase projected by 2050 under high-emission scenarios.
Extreme heat is becoming a serious threat to health, jobs, and food security across southern Africa. Unlike other natural disasters, extreme heat builds without relief, straining people's bodies, homes, and health systems. A regional consensus study by the Academy of Science of South Africa assessed the impact of extreme heat on health and daily life. The study found that extreme heat is already a defining climate and health threat in southern Africa, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The Southern African Development Community, comprising 16 member states and over 400 million people, contributes less than 1.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions but is already heating up fast. Average surface temperatures have risen by 1.0-1.5°C since 1961, with a further 4.5-5°C increase projected by 2050 under high-emission scenarios.
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