Tackling heat needs adequate planning

More than 1,300 pilgrims, including 68 Indians, died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca due to extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 52° C between June 14 and 19. During this period, 1.8 mn pilgrims, including 1.6 mn from outside Saudi Arabia, performed rituals in and around Mecca. Saudi authorities stated that 83% of the deceased were pilgrims without proper permits who walked long distances without adequate protection and support.

For large gatherings and events, particularly those held in summer months, the venue's holding capacity must be considered. Since ticketing may not be an option for big gatherings, a change in approach is required. Dealing with extreme heat cannot be reduced to a people management issue. Given the high frequency and intensity of heatwaves, temperatures could rise to levels that pose a threat even for people with legitimate permits or tickets. Addressing extreme heat requires adopting a risk-management approach. By treating heat as a risk, similar to fire, organisers of such events and administrations must implement measures to mitigate it.

The climate impact of planned events must also be considered, and measures to mitigate and lessen these risks must be integrated into the planning process. This means accounting for sudden temperature rises, providing water and other cooling options, improving sanitation, providing cool mobility options and creating a strong medical support system to deal with impacts and emergencies. Climate change has ushered in an era of high heat, and addressing it requires taking the heat risk with utmost seriousness because it can become a life-and-death issue.