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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia saw over 1,300 deaths due to extreme heat, with most victims being unregistered pilgrims lacking access to cooling facilities
• Temperatures in Mecca soared to 125°F during the pilgrimage from June 14 to 19
🔭 The context: The Hajj draws millions of Muslims annually, but many unregistered pilgrims face harsh conditions without official accommodations
• Climate change is exacerbating the heat, making the pilgrimage increasingly perilous, particularly for those without permits
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The deadly heat wave during Hajj underscores the severe impact of rising global temperatures on vulnerable populations
• It highlights the urgent need for climate action to protect those at risk
⏭️ What's next: Saudi Arabia needs to implement more effective measures to mitigate heat stress during Hajj, such as increasing shade and cooling facilities
• The growing scrutiny on the Saudi government may push for better protection for all pilgrims
💬 One quote: "Despite the large number of pilgrims and the challenges posed by high temperatures, we experienced no outbreaks or public health threats," said Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel
📈 One stat: 83% of the 1,301 reported deaths were unregistered pilgrims
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