Global heating is making hajj ever more dangerous, report finds

Global heating has “fundamentally altered” the climate of Mecca and is exposing millions of hajj pilgrims to extreme and dangerous heat even in months outside summer, new analysis has found. Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels means scorching temperatures of 40C (104F) are now regularly experienced in May, the study showed. In past decades, such peaks would only have occurred in summer. The researchers said that hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, would take place amid dangerous heat almost all year round by the end of the century without a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia, which hosts hajj, is the world’s second biggest oil producer and a long-term obstructer of climate action. Muslims around the world are now celebrating the start of Eid al-Adha as devotees in Mecca finish their rituals during this year’s pilgrimage. Hajj follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which means it falls earlier each successive year. All Muslims able to do so are expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lives, which involves walking long distances outside over five days. More than 1,300 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and humidity in 2024, when hajj was in June. May has historically been cooler, with 40C temperatures rare. However, the analysis found that 40C is now expected in May once every two to three years as a result of the climate crisis. The average temperature for May is now 3.5C hotter than before human-caused global heating. …