This article was originally published by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

Extreme heat is no longer a distant threat – it is a present reality. Across the Arab region, temperatures are reaching record highs, with some areas exceeding 50°C in recent years. Heatwaves, once described as the “silent killer,” are growing in intensity, duration, and frequency, posing severe risks to human health, economies, and ecosystems.

At the Sixth Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, a special session on extreme heat shed light on the urgency of this escalating crisis and the actions needed to strengthen resilience. The discussion aligned with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, which urges global efforts to protect vulnerable populations, safeguard workers, enhance economic and societal resilience, and accelerate climate action.

Climate projections paint a concerning picture for the Arab region. By 2041-2060, many areas will experience over 100 days per year where temperatures exceed 40°C, with some reaching 175 days annually. Coastal cities, where most of the region’s population resides, are particularly vulnerable, as the urban heat island effect compounds the crisis. Rising temperatures are a public health issue and a major challenge for food security, water resources, and economic stability.

Extreme heat events are already taking a toll on livelihoods. Outdoor workers, such as those in construction and agriculture, face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses, while agricultural productivity declines due to drought, crop failures, and desertification. Even marine ecosystems are feeling the impact, with coral bleaching and declining oxygen levels in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.

The special session emphasized that while heatwaves are intensifying, they do not have to lead to catastrophe. Proactive planning, effective governance, and public awareness can help reduce risks and protect lives. Key approaches discussed included:

• Improving heatwave forecasting and early warning systems to ensure communities receive timely alerts and can take protective measures.
• Strengthening heat governance frameworks by recognizing heatwaves as disasters in national and local policies, enabling more effective responses.
• Developing heat action plans tailored to cities and regions, integrating measures such as cooling centers, heat-adaptive infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns.
• Ensuring cross-sectoral coordination, particularly between disaster risk management agencies and health services, to improve response strategies and preparedness.

The session also underscored the need for greater investment in climate adaptation, particularly in solutions that cool urban environments, such as increasing green spaces and rethinking city planning to reduce heat absorption.

A call for collective action

As temperatures continue to rise, addressing extreme heat must become a priority for policymakers, scientists, and communities alike. The discussions at the Sixth Arab Regional Platform for DRR highlighted that while the challenge is immense, solutions exist – and with the right investments and policies, the region can become more heat-resilient.

Extreme heat is a climate issue, a development challenge, a health emergency, and a humanitarian concern. Strengthening resilience will require bold action, innovation, and collaboration at all levels. As the world races to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, the Arab region’s approach to extreme heat will be a crucial test of its ability to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.

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