In March 2024, the global temperature was 0.7 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average, with Europe experiencing a 2.2-degree increase. Germany and the Netherlands had their warmest March on record, while parts of the U.S. and Canada were unusually warm. At the same time, some regions in California saw cold and snowy conditions. Sea surface temperatures in non-polar zones remain at record levels.
Temperature Anomalies Since the 1940s
The data from Copernicus Climate Change Service reveals that the first three months of 2024 were over 1.5 degrees warmer than the pre-industrial average. With March setting a new record, it marks the 10th consecutive month of record temperatures for the respective time of year.
The Impact of Heat Stress on Workers
Heat stress is becoming a growing concern for workers across various industries. From construction workers to tour guides, many are facing challenges due to rising temperatures. In Greece, tour guide Androniki Miliou shares her experience of coping with extreme heat while leading tours in Meteora, where temperatures often exceed 35 degrees Celsius. The impact is not only on personal well-being but also on economic losses when sites need to close due to unbearable heat.
In Trikala, Greece, Professor Andreas Flouris and his research team are studying the effects of heat on the body in the workplace. Their research highlights the importance of understanding how heat impacts the body, particularly the brain and central nervous system. By monitoring core body temperature during simulated heatwave conditions, they aim to raise awareness and promote preventive measures to avoid heat-related illnesses like heatstroke.
Worker Athanasios Peristeris, involved in the study, shares his firsthand experience of the physical symptoms caused by heat stress, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early signs of heat-related discomfort and taking necessary precautions to protect health and productivity.
