Malaysia facing 4-fold surge in heatwave, says Unicef analysis

 

About 750,000 children in Malaysia live in areas with twice as many days above 35°C compared to the 1960s. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Malaysia has experienced a four-fold increase in heatwaves since the 1960s, according to a Unicef analysis published today.

The analysis, which examines country-level data, revealed that Malaysia now faces an average of eight heatwaves a year, each lasting about five days, compared to just two a year with a duration of up to four days in the 1960s.

It also showed that the severity of these heatwaves has intensified, with temperatures rising from 0.35°C above the 1960s’ average to 0.69°C above the average in the 2020s.

However, the analysis does not note what the local average temperature was in the 1960s and the 2020s.

According to Unicef’s definition, heatwave severity refers to the temperature above the local 15-day average.

The analysis also noted that the hot and dry season in Malaysia now starts earlier, a trend worsened by El Nino events, reflecting a rapid pace of climate change.

This poses a risk to about 750,000 children in Malaysia, who now live in areas experiencing twice as many days above 35°C, compared to the 1960s.

Global phenomenon

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Unicef’s analysis found that globally, about 466 million children – or one in five – live in areas that experience at least double the number of extremely hot days compared to 60 years ago.

In 16 countries, children now endure additional extremely hot days of more than a month annually compared to six decades ago.

It said West and Central Africa face the highest exposure, with 123 million children experiencing up to 212 extremely hot days a year. Latin America and the Caribbean have also seen significant increases.

In terms of heatwaves, children across 100 countries are experiencing twice as many heatwaves today compared to 60 years ago.

The hottest summer days now seem normal. Extreme heat is increasing, disrupting children’s health, well-being and daily routine,

 Unicef executive director Catherine Russell said in a statement.

Unicef warned that extreme heat poses severe health risks, including pregnancy complications, child malnutrition, heat-related illnesses, and mental health issues. It also exacerbates existing health conditions and vulnerability to infectious diseases.

As such, it is calling on all member states of the Paris Agreement, including Malaysia, to submit an updated national climate plan, which will guide climate action over the next decade. - FMT