Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Oxford Study Warns of Extreme Heat Risks by 2050
A new study from the University of Oxford says that by 2050, almost half of the world's people could live in places with extreme heat.
This is because the Earth is getting warmer.
The study found that the number of people living in very hot areas could almost double from 23% in 2010 to 41% by 2050.
This means more people will need air conditioning to stay cool.
Countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia will be affected the most.
The study also says that very cold places will become less common, which will change how people use energy for heating and cooling.
The researchers say we need to act now to stop the Earth from getting too hot, or many people will suffer from the heat.
Nearly half of the world's population could face extreme heat by 2050 due to continued fossil fuel use.
The share of people exposed to extreme heat could double from 23% in 2010 to 41% by 2050.
Countries in the tropics and subtropics, such as India and Nigeria, will bear the heaviest burden.
Extreme cold will become less common, with the global population in extremely cool regions falling from 14% to 7%.
The study highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change and adapt to rising temperatures.
- Who
- Nearly half of the world's population, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions
- What
- Exposure to extreme heat conditions
- When
- By 2050, with significant changes already occurring
- Where
- Globally, with the heaviest burden on countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia
- Why
- Due to continued fossil fuel use and projected temperature increases
- Current Population at Risk (2010)
- 1.54 billion
- Projected Population at Risk (2050)
- 3.79 billion
- Projected Temperature Increase
- 2 degrees Celsius
- Countries with Highest Heat Exposure
- India, Nigeria, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines
- Cooling Degree Days (CDD) Threshold
- 3000 CDD
- Projected Decrease in Extreme Cold Exposure
- 7% of global population
- Countries with Largest Cooling Needs Increase
- Central African Republic, Nigeria, South Sudan, Laos, Brazil
- Countries with Largest Heating Needs Decrease
- Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway