Myanmar Heat Wave Scorches Livelihoods of Taxi Drivers

A severe heat wave has been affecting Myanmar and other South and Southeast Asian countries for weeks, posing significant health risks to millions of people, especially children. In Myanmar, weather experts reported record high temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several towns, with some parts of the country experiencing a scorching 48.2 C (118.8 F).

Why this matters: The heat wave's impact on taxi drivers' livelihoods serves as a microcosm for the broader consequences of climate change on vulnerable populations. As temperatures continue to rise, it is essential to address the economic and health implications of extreme weather events to ensure the well-being of communities worldwide.

Theextreme heathas significantly impacted daily lives, particularly for taxi drivers who spend most of their time outdoors. Many drivers have reported decreased income due to reduced passenger numbers and growing health concerns, including heat-related illnesses and even death. The sweltering conditions have made it challenging for them to continue their livelihoods.

The heat wave is not limited to Myanmar, with othercountriesin the region also experiencing record high temperatures. In Cambodia, the highest temperature in 170 years was recorded at 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit), leading schools to cut back their hours. The Philippines, India, and Bangladesh have advised students to stay home and do their lessons remotely due to the extreme heat.

In April, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned that the sweltering weather could put 243 million children's lives at risk in the Asia-Pacific region, urging caregivers to take extra precautions. Benjamin Horton, director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore, attributed the heat wave to three causal factors: El Nino, an increase in global temperatures, and human-induced climate change.

The scorching temperatures have taken a heavy toll on Myanmar's taxi drivers, who are among the most vulnerable to the heat wave's effects. With temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius and reaching as high as 48.2 C in some areas, these essential workers face significant health risks and economic challenges as they struggle to maintain theirlivelihoodsin the face of extreme weather conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Severe heat wave affects Myanmar and other South and Southeast Asian countries.
• Record high temperatures reach 48.2°C (118.8°F) in some areas of Myanmar.
• Taxi drivers' livelihoods severely impacted due to heat-related illnesses and reduced passengers.
• 243 million children's lives at risk in the Asia-Pacific region due to heat wave, according to UNICEF.
• El Nino, global temperature increase, and human-induced climate change cause the heat wave.