A study published this Thursday, April 18, 2024, concluded that the heat wave that hit the Sahel at the beginning of this month is linked to climate change “man-induced".

From 1 to 5 April, Mali and Burkina Faso suffered an exceptional heatwave, both in terms of duration and intensity, with temperatures exceeding 45°C which caused a large number of deaths in these countries.

Scientists' observations and temperature model comparisons show that heat waves observed in the region em March and April 2024, would have been impossible without human-caused global warming of 1,2°C, indicated a report by scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network.

The document highlighted that an episode like the one that affected the Sahel for five days in April only occurs once every 200 years.

Heatwaves are common in the Sahel at this time of year, but the April heatwave would have been 1,4°C colder (…) if humans had not caused global warming through the burning of fossil fuels, they said. the authors of the report.

“These trends will continue with future warming,” the report reads.

The duration and severity of this heat wave led to an increase in the number of deaths and hospitalizations recorded in these countries, WWA pointed out, despite the populations of Mali and Burkina Faso being acclimatized to the high temperatures.

While it is impossible to count the exact number of victims, Due to a lack of available data in the countries concerned, it is likely that hundreds, if not thousands, of other heat-related deaths have occurred, WWA said.

Since the 1970s, Sahel countries have been confronted with droughts, as well as episodes of intense rainfall since the 1990s.

The decrease in the availability of water and pastures, accentuated by the development of agricultural land, has disrupted the lives of pastoral populations and favored the emergence of armed groups that have seized vast areas of territory in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

Conclusion

Consequently, it is essential to adopt policies and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen early warning systems and emergency response plans to protect vulnerable populations and minimize the impacts of future heatwaves in the Sahel.

What do you think of this serious climate situation in the Sahel? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.

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