At least 550 people died during this year’s Islamic Hajj Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat. However, Saudi Arabia denies heat-related deaths, with its health ministry stating that there were no significant heat-related deaths among this year’s pilgrims.

Videos circulating online show bodies lying in the streets without any medical assistance being given. Meanwhile, several countries have announced deaths among their own citizens.

In recent years, those performing the Hajj have been affected by climate change, as Mecca is one of the hottest places on earth. The most recent heat-related deaths indicate this trend is likely to continue in the coming decades.

Studies have also highlighted the impact of Hajj on climate change, with one such study estimating that the Hajj creates 1.8 million tons of greenhouse gases. This is roughly equivalent to the amount of greenhouse gases that New York City emits in two weeks. The study cites air travel to Mecca as the most significant contributor, accounting for 87% of emissions.

The Saudi government has also faced criticism for not having a plan to address climate change impacts to and from the Hajj. Its 2030 Vision aims to increase the number of pilgrims to 30 million per year, a 10 million increase from pre-pandemic levels.