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Global heating is making hajj ever more dangerous, report finds
Rising heat in Saudi Arabia threatens millions of Muslim pilgrims – but cutting fossil fuels would keep it safer
TL;DR
- Global heating is causing extreme and dangerous heat in Mecca, affecting the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Temperatures of 40C, once rare in May, are now expected every two to three years due to climate crisis.
- The average temperature for May is 3.5C hotter than before human-caused global heating.
- Without a rapid reduction in fossil fuel dependence, the Hajj rituals could become unsuitable for human endurance.
- Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, is criticized for obstructing climate action.
- Over 1,300 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and humidity in 2024.
- Saudi authorities have implemented heat action plans, but more is needed.
- If global temperatures rise by 3C, about 97% of all Hajj pilgrimages would endure dangerous heat.