Average Incomes May Fall by a Fifth by 2050

Average Incomes May Fall by 1/5th by 2050

The climate crisis could cause average incomes to fall by almost a fifth within the next 26 years compared with what they would have been if there were no climate crisis. This is according to a study that predicts the costs of damage will be six times higher than the price of limiting global heating to 2C. Rising temperatures, heavier rainfall, and more frequent and intense extreme weather are projected to cause $38 trillion of destruction each year by mid-century. Crippling losses are expected in almost every country, with a disproportionately severe impact on those least responsible for climate disruption. Average loss of income worldwide is expected to be 19% by 2049. The United States and Europe are expected to see around an 11% reduction, while Africa and Asia will be around 22%. Some individual countries, however, will see much higher than that. The study suggests that by 2100, average income loss could be more than 60%.

Jonathan Watts, The Guardian

Lethal Heatwave Hit West Africa

West Africa was hit by a lethal heatwave in between the end of March and early April, which overwhelmed hospitals and mortuaries. Extremely high temperatures of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit likely killed hundreds to thousands of people across multiple countries over a five-day period. Scientists say the soaring temperatures would not have been possible without human-induced climate change, including the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Mail experienced temperatures of 119 degrees, a once-in 200-year event. One hospital in Mali’s capital recorded 102 deaths within the first four days of April, close to the amount of deaths recorded in the entire month last year. Excessively hot nighttime temperatures don’t allow the body to cool down and recover from daytime heat stress, which could have played a roll here. Power shortages during this time left people without fans and air conditioning. Coinciding with Ramadan, a period of fasting for Muslims, it was a recipe for disaster.

Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR

Village in the Himalayas Forced to Relocate Due to Climate Change

A village in the Himalayas was forced to relocate due to climate change. An area that was once favorable for farming, has become barren land due to nearby water sources drying up and having no way to irrigate the fields. The village settled in a new location which has ample water for irrigation. They’re able to plan mustard and buckwheat again. Their goats have ample space to graze now. Still, climate change threatens their livelihood. Global warming is increasing flooding, landslides, and droughts in the Himalayas. Should that happen, the village may be forced to move and start from scratch again.

Shanta Nepali, BBC

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