Record high temperatures in Tokyo left 123 people dead in July

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🗞️ Driving the news: Record-high July temperatures in Tokyo have resulted in over 120 deaths from heatstroke, with most victims being elderly individuals found indoors without using their air conditioners
• The average temperature in July was 2.16 degrees Celsius higher than the past 30-year average

🔭 The context: Japan experienced its hottest July since records began in 1898, leading to widespread heat warnings and increased hospitalizations
• Elderly residents often avoid using air conditioning due to health misconceptions, exacerbating the heat-related fatalities

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves highlight the urgent need for climate adaptation measures, particularly for vulnerable populations
• Rising temperatures are a direct consequence of global climate change, necessitating enhanced public health strategies and infrastructure adjustments

⏭️ What's next: Continued high temperatures are expected in August, with forecasts predicting temperatures of 35°C or higher
• Authorities urge residents to heed heatstroke warnings and utilize air conditioning to stay safe

💬 One quote: “I feel every year the hot period is getting longer,” said Hidehiro Takano from Kyoto. “I have the air con on all the time, including while I’m sleeping”

📈 One stat: More than 37,000 people were treated for heatstroke in Japan from July 1-28, 2024

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