A new study demonstrates that depending on scenarios of population growth and warming, over the coming 50 years, 1 to 3 billion people are projected to be left outside the climate conditions that have served humanity well over the past 6,000 years. Absent climate mitigation or migration, a substantial part of humanity will be exposed to mean annual temperatures warmer than nearly anywhere today.
By Chi Xu, Timothy A. Kohler, Timothy M. Lenton, Jens-Christian Svenning, and Marten Scheffer. PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America) May 4, 2020.
Unsuitable For ‘Human Life To Flourish’: Up To 3B Will Live In Extreme Heat By 2070, Study Warns
If global warming continues unchecked, the heat that’s coming later this century in some parts of the world will bring “nearly unlivable” conditions for up to 3 billion people, a study released Monday said. The authors predict that by 2070, much of the world’s population is likely to live in climate conditions that are “warmer than conditions deemed suitable for human life to flourish.”
By Doyle Rice. USA TODAY. May 4, 2020.
Climate Change: More Than 3 Billion Could Live In Extreme Heat By 2070
Researchers used data from United Nations population projections and a 3C warming scenario based on the expected global rise in temperature. A UN report found that even with countries keeping to the Paris climate agreement, the world was on course for a 3C rise. Areas projected to be affected include northern Australia, India, Africa, South America and parts of the Middle East. The study raises concerns about those in poorer areas who will be unable to shelter from the heat.
BBC News. May 5, 2020.
