Global Heating Poses Increasing Risks to Hajj Pilgrims
A new analysis reveals that global heating is significantly altering the climate of Mecca, exposing millions of hajj pilgrims to extreme heat. The study indicates that temperatures of 40°C (104°F) are now common in May, a month previously considered cooler. This shift is attributed to carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. The hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage, involves walking long distances over five days, making it particularly vulnerable to heat. In 2024, over 1,300 pilgrims died due to extreme heat. Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, has implemented heat action plans, but experts warn that without a rapid transition from fossil fuels, the pilgrimage will face dangerous heat conditions year-round by the century's end. 
