The article discusses research into the belief that more people die from cold than from heat, often used to argue against climate action. It reveals a significant lack of reliable data regarding climate-related deaths, particularly in Africa, where the available studies show an alarming gap in knowledge.
The analysis indicates that in the hottest regions, sub-Saharan Africa shows a strikingly high cold-related mortality rate, estimated at 58 times more than heat-related deaths; however, many related factors—such as poor healthcare and lack of data from many hot countries—complicate this picture. The article critiques outdated and insufficient data collection in regions most vulnerable to climate change, particularly in Africa, where weather stations are declining rapidly.
It also highlights the underreporting of heat-related deaths globally, with some estimates suggesting that official numbers may be immensely underestimated. The piece concludes by linking inadequate funding for data collection to broader indifference towards the lives affected by climate change, emphasizing that without accurate data, responding to the consequences of climate change becomes impossible.
The author urges for greater accountability and effort in understanding the real impact of climate change, suggesting that current international responses—even at summits like COP30—reflect a troubling apathy from wealthier nations.
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