Extreme weather: the annual number of days above 45 degrees has doubled in the past four decades | According to a report published by the BBC

Over the past four decades the number of hot days per year has doubled, and the “scorching days are appearing in more parts of the planet than in the past, presenting unprecedented challenges for human health “, according to a study published by the BBC.

According to the study, the total number of days above 50 ° C has increased in each of the four decades since 1980.

Between 1980 and 2009, temperatures exceeded around 50º C 14 days per year on average, a figure that has risen to 26 days between 2010 and 2019. During the same period, also on average, there were two more weeks per year when temperatures rose above 45 degrees.

“The increase can be attributed 100% to the use of fossil fuels”said climate scientist Friederike Otto.

According to the research, “as the entire planet warms, extreme temperatures become more likely and more intense.”

The report noted that high temperatures “can be fatal to humans and nature, causing significant problems in buildings, roads and electrical systems.”

Temperatures of 50 ° C occur mainly in regions of Middle East and the Persian Gulf but after record temperatures of 48.8 ° C were recorded in Italy and 49.6 ° C in Canada This summer, scientists warned that temperatures above 50C would be felt elsewhere unless we cut fossil fuel emissions.

“We must act quickly. The faster we reduce our emissions, the better off we will all be, “warned researcher Sihan Li.” He added.