Over 2 Billion in Cities Will Be Exposed to 0.5ºC Rise by 2040
Published: 2024-11-05 12:00
A new study has found that over 2 billion people living in cities will be exposed to a 0.5ºC rise in average temperatures by 2040. This is a significant increase from the 1.5 billion people who were exposed to a 0.5ºC rise in 2020.
The study, which was published in the journal Nature Climate Change, used climate models to project future temperature changes in cities around the world. The researchers found that even if the world meets the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2ºC, over 2 billion people in cities will still be exposed to a 0.5ºC rise in temperatures by 2040.
This is because cities are often warmer than the surrounding countryside, due to the urban heat island effect. This effect is caused by a combination of factors, including the presence of buildings and roads, which absorb and re-emit heat, and the lack of vegetation, which can help to cool the air.
The 0.5ºC rise in temperatures is likely to have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people living in cities. Higher temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. They can also exacerbate existing health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.
In addition, higher temperatures can lead to increased air pollution, which can also have negative health impacts. Air pollution can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, and can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The study’s findings highlight the need to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This includes investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and planting trees in cities.
The study also calls for the development of adaptation strategies to help cities cope with the impacts of climate change. These strategies could include building more resilient infrastructure, such as heat-resistant buildings and cooling centers, and providing access to clean water and sanitation.
Additional Information
- The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of California, Berkeley.
- The researchers used climate models to project future temperature changes in over 1,000 cities around the world.
- The study found that the number of people exposed to a 0.5ºC rise in temperatures will increase significantly in all regions of the world, but the increase will be particularly pronounced in Asia and Africa.
- The study’s findings are consistent with other recent research, which has found that climate change is having a significant impact on cities around the world.
Over 2 billion in cities will be exposed to 0.5ºC rise by 2040
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