As much of the northern hemisphere endures record-breaking heat waves attributed to climate change, scientists say the Eastern Mediterranean-Middle East region is seeing temperatures risingalmost twice as fast the global average. In Cairo, photojournalist Hamada Elrasam captures scenes of the Egyptian capital's sweltering landscapes and struggling communities. (Captions by Elle Kurancid)
Egypt's Cost-of-Living Crisis Means Extra Suffering During Intense Heat Wave
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Cairo's dry desert climate and dense urban sprawl make the megacity especially vulnerable to extreme heat and air pollution, a dangerous or deadly combination for its people. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
![Walid (left), 33, a cooling technician, says, air conditioners "are becoming an essential item for more and more homes. Some people buy [AC units] before furniture.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)](https://gdb.voanews.com/01000000-c0a8-0242-3d50-08db8c4152c5_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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Walid (left), 33, a cooling technician, says, air conditioners "are becoming an essential item for more and more homes. Some people buy [AC units] before furniture.” (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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Thousands of trees and green spaces that protect life from carbon emissions and serve as natural cooling systems have been razed for new roads, bridges, and other costly national development projects across Cairo. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
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As part of an Egyptian tradition, Sharbat, 20, keeps this bowl full of water for wild birds during the peak summer months in the belief that the gesture of kindness will bring good luck to her home in Cairo. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)
