Global Warming of 2°C Could Triple Earth's Uninhabitable Heat Zones
New research warns that even a half-degree rise in global temperatures will vastly expand areas where extreme heat poses lethal risks to human survival.
- A study published in *Nature Reviews Earth & Environment* finds that a global temperature rise of 2°C above pre-industrial levels will triple the land area subject to deadly heat events, affecting 6% of Earth's surface.
- Regions most at risk include parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, and other densely populated equatorial areas, where billions could face life-threatening conditions.
- Even under current warming levels, older adults are disproportionately vulnerable, with 20% of the Earth's surface already exceeding safe heat thresholds for this demographic during extreme events.
- If global warming reaches 4°C, up to 40% of the planet's landmass could experience heat conditions unsustainable for human survival, with only higher latitude and cooler mid-latitude regions spared.
- Researchers emphasize the urgent need for mitigation efforts and reliable access to cooling systems, as extreme heat events increasingly challenge human physiology and infrastructure.
The Independent 
The Hill 