Almost 30% of Us Face 5x More Heat-Drought Extremes by End of Century

A new climate study finds that, under current emissions, about 28% of the global population could face compound heat-drought extremes five times more often by the 2090s.

These hot-dry events are expected to become more frequent and longer-lasting worldwide, worsening risks of deaths, wildfires, crop losses, and water stress.

The researchers say stronger climate policies could cut the affected share to about 18%, showing emissions cuts can significantly reduce future exposure.