A deadly heatwave struck West Africa in late March and early April, with temperatures in Mali exceeding a scorching 48°C. Hospitals reported numerous heat-related deaths. Scientists linked this extreme event directly to human-caused climate change.

• Their analysis suggests the heatwave wouldn’t have occurred without human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
• Climate change is estimated to have raised daytime temperatures in Mali and Burkina Faso by 1.5°C and nighttime temperatures by a more significant 2°C.
• The entire region experienced a 1.4°C increase in average temperature during the heatwave.
• While some may not consider a 1.4-1.5°C increase significant, scientists emphasize the dangerous consequences of such changes.

Read more at the BBC website.