Iran orders nationwide shutdown because of ‘unprecedented’ heat

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🗞️ Driving the news: Iran declared a two-day nationwide shutdown, from Wednesday to Thursday, due to soaring temperatures that pose a threat to public health and put a strain on the power grid 
• The government ordered all government agencies, banks, and schools to cease operations as temperatures in some southwestern cities exceeded 123 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius)

🔭 The context:  As countries globally reel from climate change's intensification of extreme weather, Iran's decision to shut down amidst a heatwave mirrors similar moves in neighboring Iraq and Egypt
• These actions signify the growing global challenge of managing the climatic fallout.

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: This story underscores the immediate and disruptive impact of climate change
• These events strain infrastructure, threaten public health, and disrupt daily life, particularly in regions like the Middle East that are particularly vulnerable due to their climate and geography

⏭️ What's next: With electricity usage expected to hit a record high across Iran due to increased use of air conditioners, the Ministry of Energy is considering requesting more shutdowns in the coming weeks
• This measure, however, is a short-term solution and highlights the urgent need for long-term adaptation and mitigation strategies to cope with the realities of a changing climate

💬 One quote: "Given the unprecedented heat in the coming days and to protect public health, the cabinet has agreed with the Health Ministry’s recommendation for a nationwide shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday,” (Ali Bahadori Jahromi, government spokesman )

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