A recent scientific study, published 犀利士 by the World Weather Attribution (WWA), has attributed the unprecedented October heatwave in Madagascar, the worst in 40 years, to human-induced climate change. The report by the WWA, a global network of scientists specializing in real-time analysis of extreme weather events, emphasized that the intensity of this phenomenon, particularly affecting the southern region of the island, would have been nearly impossible without the influence of human activity on the climate.
The study, conducted by a team of 13 experts, highlighted that human-induced climate change has led to temperature increases ranging from 1 to 2 degrees Celsius, depending on various factors such as average temperature, extreme cold, and hot days. The report warned that even a half-degree rise could push thousands of individuals beyond their physiological limits, potentially resulting in fatalities, as indicated by Sanyati Sengupta, a technical adviser at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre.
Africa witnessed over 13,000 deaths due to extreme weather events in 2023, surpassing casualties on any other continent, according to the international disaster database EM-DAT. The rarity of heatwaves in Africa complicates the accurate assessment of their impact, particularly in Madagascar, according to the WWA.
The vulnerability of Madagascar’s population—where nearly 91% live below the poverty line, lacking access to basic necessities like drinking water and electricity—has amplified the peril posed by extreme heat. The majority reside in precarious housing conditions, making it challenging to implement effective measures to mitigate the impact of such events.
Although October typically marks the onset of the hot and humid season, temperatures soared to levels usually observed during the peak months of December and January. Climate researcher Rondrotiana Barimalala stressed the necessity for communities and authorities to prepare for intensified heatwaves in Madagascar, urging the implementation of strategies to better withstand such extreme conditions.
The report called for immediate investment in early warning systems and the development of extreme heat forecasting mechanisms to address the escalating situation. Recognizing the urgency, the WWA emphasized the critical need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities in Madagascar from the escalating threat of heatwaves.