Global warming is significantly altering Mecca’s climate, endangering millions of Hajj pilgrims with extreme heat. Temperatures regularly reach 40°C (104°F) in May, a shift attributed to carbon emissions from fossil fuels, which historically saw such peaks only in summer. Researchers warn that without a rapid shift away from fossil fuels, the Hajj will be held in dangerously high temperatures year-round by the century’s end.
As the world celebrates Eid al-Adha, recent Hajj experiences highlight the risks; over 1,300 pilgrims died from heat in June 2024. Current temperatures in May are 3.5 degrees warmer than pre-industrial levels, turning May into a time of peril for pilgrims. Though Saudi authorities have implemented heat mitigation strategies, experts emphasize that these are not sufficient without broader climate action.
If global temperatures rise by 3 degrees Celsius by 2100, about 97% of pilgrims will face dangerous heat conditions. The analysis underscores the urgent need for a transition from fossil fuels to ensure the safety of future Hajj participants.
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