Story perspectives

Heatwaves Surge: 546,000 Deaths Annually, Experts Warn

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Global heating drives more frequent and intense heatwaves worldwide.
A medical journal reports heat extremes caused 546,000 deaths annually from 2012 to 2021, up 63% since the 1990s.
Professor Ollie Jay emphasizes that every heat-related death is preventable.
At the University of Sydney, journalist Graham Readfearn experienced conditions simulating future heatwaves, noting discomfort at 43°C.
These conditions could become common in Sydney, Mexico City, and São Paulo as temperatures rise.

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Story summary

Global heating drives more frequent and intense heatwaves worldwide.
A medical journal reports heat extremes caused 546,000 deaths annually from 2012 to 2021, up 63% since the 1990s.
Professor Ollie Jay emphasizes that every heat-related death is preventable.
At the University of Sydney, journalist Graham Readfearn experienced conditions simulating future heatwaves, noting discomfort at 43°C.
These conditions could become common in Sydney, Mexico City, and São Paulo as temperatures rise.