The number of days with above-average temperatures worldwide has more than doubled since the early 1980s, the OECD’s Climate Action Monitor has revealed.
The hot days are coinciding with declining soil moisture which is raising risks for agricultural production and global supply chains.
In a statement, the OECD said the number of days with above-average temperatures had increased by 126 over the four decades.
The increases were particularly pronounced in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Above-average temperature days have more than tripled in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa.
“Between 2021 and 2025, populations in OECD countries experienced 35 percent more heat stress days than during the 1981-2010 climate baseline equivalent to an additional 17 days per year on average,” the report said.
“These extreme weather events affect livelihoods, ecosystems and economic activity with adverse health impacts, loss of life, displacement and disruptions to transport, energy, water and agricultural systems.”
The report said cropland soil moisture across OECD member and partner countries was 2.6 percent lower on average in 2021-2025 than in 1981-2010.
Drought is also causing disruption to energy production because low river flows and high-water temperatures can constrain nuclear power generation.
Reduced water availability can affect hydropower output.
Low river levels can restrict inland navigation and major shipping routes, increasing transport costs and disrupting trade.
The full report is here
