Global heating is making hajj ever more dangerous, report finds

Global heating has significantly increased the risks faced by millions of Muslim pilgrims during the annual hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, according to a new analysis. Rising temperatures, driven by carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, have caused scorching heat of around 40°C (104°F) to become common in May—a month that historically experienced much cooler conditions. This shift means that dangerous heat levels, once confined to the peak summer months, are now occurring almost year-round, exposing pilgrims to extreme heat during their five-day outdoor rituals. The hajj involves extensive walking under the sun, and the timing of the pilgrimage shifts annually due to the Islamic lunar calendar, gradually moving into hotter months over time. In 2024, when hajj took place in June, more than 1,300 pilgrims died from heat-related causes. The study highlights that May temperatures have risen by an average of 3.5°C compared to pre-industrial times, making the pilgrimage in May as perilous as it once was in the height of summer. This trend is linked directly to human-driven climate change, with Saudi Arabia’s status as the world’s second-largest oil producer complicating efforts to mitigate these risks. Saudi authorities have implemented various heat action plans, including shaded walkways, cooling stations, misting systems, and enhanced medical services, which have helped reduce heat-related illnesses among pilgrims. However, experts warn that these measures are reactive and insufficient in the face of ongoing climate change. Researchers from Imperial College London emphasize the urgent need for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels to prevent the hajj from becoming increasingly unsafe. Without significant reductions in emissions, millions of Muslims may be forced to perform the pilgrimage under conditions that are physically hazardous and potentially life-threatening. The findings underscore the broader implications of global warming on religious and cultural practices, highlighting the intersection of climate change with public health and human rights. The study calls attention to the critical role of Saudi Arabia in global climate action, given its economic reliance on fossil fuels and its responsibility as host of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.