Global heating is making hajj ever more dangerous, report finds
A recent report highlights the dangers posed by rising temperatures during the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, exacerbated by global heating. The analysis indicates that extreme heat is now common even in May, a month that historically experienced milder temperatures. Without significant reductions in fossil fuel use, the hajj could become perilous for millions of pilgrims year-round by the end of the century.
- ▪Rising temperatures in Saudi Arabia are threatening the safety of millions of hajj pilgrims.
- ▪Extreme heat during hajj has already led to over 1,300 deaths due to heat-related issues in 2024.
- ▪Current climate trends suggest that hajj will face dangerous heat levels almost all year round without urgent action on fossil fuels.
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The hajj involves walking long distances outside over five days, often in scorching temperatures. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe hajj involves walking long distances outside over five days, often in scorching temperatures. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty ImagesClimate crisisGlobal heating is making hajj ever more dangerous, report findsRising heat in Saudi Arabia threatens millions of Muslim pilgrims – but cutting fossil fuels would keep it saferDamian Carrington Environment editorThu 28 May 2026 19.01 EDTLast modified on Thu 28 May 2026 19.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleGlobal heating has “fundamentally altered” the climate of Mecca and is exposing millions of hajj pilgrims to extreme and dangerous heat even in months outside summer, new analysis has…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
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