HUMAN WRONGS WATCH

By Thandile Chinyavanhu | Greenpeace International*

In the first week of June 2024, searing heat in 80 countries broke temperature records – either monthly or for all time. Heatwaves scorched the US, the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Aswan in Egypt hit 50.9°C – an all time record – on the 7th June.

Large portions of the West are now classified as being in “exceptional drought”, the most extreme drought category. Many major reservoirs have reached historic low levels and fire officials are warning that another devastating wildfire season has already begun. Hoover Dam, Arizona/Nevada border, United States. © David McNew / Greenpeace.

Record-breaking heat is not just uncomfortable. Like fires and floods, it is deadly. Weather events such as these are becoming more extreme, turbocharged by the dirty business of the fossil fuel industry. They hit us stronger and faster than before.