Overview
- An Oxford study projects that 41% of the global population will be exposed to extreme heat by 2050 if warming reaches 2.0°C, up from 23% in 2010.
- The largest absolute impacts are expected in tropical and lower‑income countries, with populations in India, Nigeria, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines most affected.
- Colder‑climate countries face the steepest proportional jumps in very hot days, including Ireland (+230%), Norway (+200%), and the United Kingdom and Sweden (+150%).
- Researchers find most shifts in heating and cooling demand occur before 1.5°C of warming, with many households likely needing air conditioning within five years unless broader adaptations are implemented.
- UNEP’s latest assessment warns current policies are insufficient to stay below 2°C, calling for roughly a 42% global emissions cut and flagging risks such as coral reef loss and approaching climatic tipping points.