Unprecedented climate change induced by human activity is the root cause behind the extreme heatwave that ravaged Madagascar in October, in what was reported as the island nation’s worst in 40 years. This finding was revealed in a study authored by the World Weather Attribution (WWA), an international assembly of scientists specialising in analysing extraordinary weather events.
The extensive weather event predominantly impacted the southern part of Madagascar, located off Africa’s southeast coast. The WWA’s study emphasises that the severe heatwave “would have been virtually impossible without climate change caused by human activity”.
The research, undertaken by 13 scientists, derived the conclusion that anthropogenic climate change has escalated temperatures by 1-2 degrees. This is dependent on diverse variables that the experts considered, which includes average temperature, chilliest days, and hottest days. “However, temperature spikes of half a degree can push a considerable number of individuals to their physiological limits, causing fatalities,” cautions Sanyati Sengupta, a technical advisor at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre.
In 2023, Africa—and subsequently its population—suffered the worst climate-related consequences, marked by the grim statistic of losing more than 13,000 lives to extreme weather events. This mortality record, as per EM-DAT, an international disaster database, is the highest observed on any continent.
The issue of tracking the effects of extreme heat in Africa—especially in Madagascar—is further complicated by the infrequent recording of heat peaks on the continent, observes the WWA.
The dire living conditions of the majority of Madagascans make them exceptionally susceptible to harsh weather conditions like extreme heat. Statistics reveal that nearly 91% of Madagascar’s population live below the poverty line, and half lack basic utilities such as clean drinking water and electricity. Further compounding the issue, many of the country’s population inhabit makeshift dwellings, complicating the implementation of measures to mitigate such climate crises.
In an abnormal twist, the cyclical onset of the hot and humid season in October witnessed temperature levels matching those typically recorded during the peak December-January timeframe.
Rondrotiana Barimalala, a climate researcher, underscores the growing urgency for anticipatory action. She notes, “With heatwaves expected to intensify in Madagascar, it is crucial that both communities and authorities take measures to better withstand them.”
Echoing Barimalala’s perspective, the WWA advocates immediate investments to enhance early warning systems and predictions for extreme heat. Such adaptations are necessary to combat the climatic threats increasingly faced by vulnerable nations like Madagascar.
In summary, this investigative report underscores the sprawling detrimental effects and lethal consequences of human-driven climate change. The increasing incidence of life-threatening weather upheavals reinforces the urgent need for timely global action. Without focused intervention and strategic planning, nations like Madagascar and its inhabitants may continue to bear the brunt of our changing climate.
