Extreme Heat Threatens Lives Amid Growing Global Inequality
Record temperatures this summer have raised concerns about extreme heat's impact on public health. In the US, heat-related illnesses have surged, with about 2,000 annual deaths attributed to extreme heat. Europe faced over 1,300 fatalities in June alone. In the global south, including India, inadequate electricity, overcrowded housing, and poverty exacerbate the risks. The Lancet estimates hundreds of thousands die from heat annually, with the burden expected to rise in South Asia and Africa. Solutions include improving electricity access and public health systems, but resource limitations hinder progress. Wealthier nations are urged to invest in clean energy infrastructure to support adaptation efforts in low-income countries, as failure to do so may widen the inequality gap and threaten global stability.
Published 4 hours ago • 15 Jul 2026, 05:30 PM IST