Mecca's Hajj deaths decreased, climate change still threatens

Early reports indicate a significantly lower death toll at this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, a positive shift from previous years. However, climate change continues to pose a major threat. The annual Islamic pilgrimage, which took place from June 4-9, saw a reported death toll of 175, with other nations' figures still pending. The Saudi government implemented new crowd control measures and invested in heat-resilient infrastructure to mitigate risks. Despite the drop in fatalities, experts warn that rising temperatures due to climate change will continue to challenge the safety of the millions of pilgrims who attend the Hajj each year.