Children disproportionally exposed to attributable heatwaves at low-latitude low-income countries

• DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu24-12807
• Publication Date: 2024-03-08T23:32:02Z
• Authors: Rosa Pietroiusti; Erich Fischer; Rupert Stuart-Smith; Luke Harrington; Luke Grant; Annalisa Savaresi; Sam Adelman; Wim Thiery

Heatwaves are increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration, and represent the category of extreme event that is most easily attributable to anthropogenic warming. Yet how the spatiotemporal patterns of attribution outcomes link to population dynamics and demographic patterns is still poorly understood. Here we investigate whether children and young people are already being affected by a disproportionately greater number of attributable heat extremes, especially in the Global South. Using observations, reanalysis, and simulations of temperature changes available through the ISIMIP3b and CMIP6 projects, in combination with demographic data, we will investigate whether temperature extremes emerge more clearly and consistently from the noise across low-income countries in lower latitudes, which have some of the youngest populations. Our anticipated findings could have implications for children and young people seeking redress from climate harms, for example through climate lawsuits.