Kenya, like much of the world, is facing the growing threat of climate change, with rising temperatures presenting a significant health risk. A recent report by Climate Central, a non-profit science and news organization, revealed that more than 14.3 million Kenyans experienced at least 60 days of high temperatures between June and August this year. The report highlights the alarming effects of global warming, primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas.
The research, which used the Climate Shift Index (CSI) to measure the influence of climate change on temperatures, offers a stark picture of the escalating heat across Kenya. The CSI is a metric designed to quantify how climate change affects global temperatures, and the findings for Kenya are troubling. The report shows that climate change increased temperatures every day during the three-month period in June, July, and August.
Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya’s two largest cities, were hit particularly hard by the scorching heat. Nairobi experienced 83 days of temperatures at CSI 5 or higher, while Mombasa faced 59 days at the same level. This means that climate change made high temperatures at least five times more likely in these areas on those days. Such extreme temperatures are not only uncomfortable but also pose significant risks to human health, especially in urban environments where the effects of heat are exacerbated by infrastructure like buildings and roads.
Health Risks From Rising Temperatures
To better understand the impact of these high temperatures, researchers analyzed what they called “risky heat” days. These are days when temperatures were hotter than 90% of the historical record for the local area, based on data from 1991 to 2020. When temperatures rise above this local threshold, the risks to human health increase significantly. Prolonged exposure to such heat can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The heatwave in Kenya is not an isolated incident. Globally, more than 2 billion people were exposed to over 30 days of dangerous temperatures during the same three-month period, with one in four people experiencing climate change-driven temperatures every day. The Northern Hemisphere was especially hard hit, with 72 countries recording their hottest summer since 1970, largely due to climate change.
Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe. From June to August, 180 cities in the Northern Hemisphere experienced at least one extreme heatwave, which, according to the report, are now 21 times more likely because of carbon pollution. This highlights the direct correlation between the burning of fossil fuels and the increasing number of extreme weather events.
Global and Local Impacts of Extreme Heat
On August 13, the report revealed that more than 4 billion people globally faced unusual temperatures that were at least three times more likely due to climate change. This day marked the peak of a record-breaking season for global heat. Around the world, the average person experienced 17 extra days of “risky heat,” putting millions of people at risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths.
The growing health risks of extreme heat are evident in recent statistics. In 2023, a record 2,325 people died from heat-related causes in the United States alone. However, the full scale of heat-related deaths worldwide is difficult to quantify due to under-reporting, particularly in regions like Africa where healthcare infrastructure and data collection may be limited.
Africa, including Kenya, was significantly impacted by climate change-driven temperatures during June, July, and August. Over 481 million people across the continent were exposed to at least 60 days of temperatures at CSI levels 5 or higher. In the most affected regions—Northern, Eastern, Western, and Middle Africa—the average person experienced between 49 and 58 days with temperatures made at least three times more likely because of climate change.
Conclusion
The findings from Climate Central’s report underscore the urgent need for action to address climate change. With millions of people in Kenya and across the globe exposed to extreme temperatures, the health risks associated with heat are becoming more severe. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to reduce carbon emissions, transition to clean energy, and build resilience to the increasing threats posed by climate change. As the planet continues to warm, the danger of extreme heat will only grow, making immediate action essential to protect both human health and the environment.
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