The percentage of the world’s population experiencing extreme heat could double by 2050 over the 2010 benchmark because of continued use of fossil fuels, with India becoming one of the biggest sufferers, a research carried out by scientists at Oxford University has found. ADVERTISEMENTExtreme heat is a period of abnormally hot weather, often defined by temperatures above 32°C for several days. “India, Nigeria, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines are projected to have the largest populations living under extreme heat, living under more than 3,000 cooling degree days,” said lead author Jesus Lizana. The report highlights that India is among the countries projected to experience the largest population exposure to extreme heat conditions under global warming scenarios. “These findings emphasise the growing vulnerability of India’s population to extreme heat and the need for targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies to address the impacts of rising temperatures,” the report said.

Source: The Telegraph January 30, 2026 02:10 UTC