Deputy minister: Number of heat waves in Baku increased 14 times

Heat waves have become more frequent in Azerbaijan, with their number in Baku increasing 14 times compared to the 1990s, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Umayra Taghiyeva said at a high-level round table on nature, healthcare, and agriculture within the framework of COP29, Report informs.

"Cities play a key role in climate change. By 2050, urban population is expected to grow by 2.5 billion people, and 68% of the world's population will live in cities. Global warming leads to more frequent extreme weather events, which are particularly acute in cities. Rapid urbanization has intensified anthropogenic impact, creating additional risks for ecosystems and human health," she noted.

Taghiyeva emphasized that in recent decades, urban populations have become most vulnerable to multiple global challenges, including climate change.

"The negative consequences of the climate crisis will affect future generations. Global warming and increased frequency of heat waves raise health risks for city residents. Large cities are particularly vulnerable, where populations react more strongly to adverse weather conditions. In recent years, the number of strong winds with speeds exceeding 25 m/s in our region has increased 12-fold," the deputy minister added.