By Frank Jordans | Associated Press
Last summer’s crushing temperatures across Europe may have resulted in over 61,000 heat-related deaths, underscoring the urgency for governments to address the health implications of global warming, according to scientists.
In a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers analyzed official mortality data from 35 European countries and discovered a significant increase in deaths between late May and early September 2022 compared to the 30-year average. The rise in heat-related deaths was more pronounced among older individuals, women, and Mediterranean nations. However, the data also indicated that preventative measures implemented in France following a deadly heatwave two decades ago may have helped avert deaths in the country last year.
“When examining the pattern of summer mean temperatures in Europe during the summer of 2022, we observe no borders,” shared co-author Joan Ballester of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. The highest temperatures were recorded across southwestern Europe, spanning from Spain to France and Italy.
“But when we analyze heat-related mortality, we begin to see borders,” added Ballester. The study revealed that France had 73 heat-related deaths per million inhabitants last summer, while Spain and Italy had rates of 237 and 295, respectively.
“Possibly France learned from the 2003 experience,” Ballester noted.
France’s warning system includes public announcements with guidance on staying cool, drinking water, and avoiding alcohol.
While not all heat-related deaths in Europe last summer can be attributed to climate change, there is undeniable evidence that the extreme heat of 2022, which shattered numerous European records, contributed to higher mortality rates. The authors estimated that there were over 25,000 more heat-related deaths last summer compared to the average from 2015 to 2021.
Without effective prevention measures, the authors project an average heat-related mortality burden of 68,116 deaths per summer by 2030. This figure is expected to rise to over 94,000 by 2040 and surpass 120,000 by mid-century.
In response, Spain and Germany have recently implemented new measures to address the impacts of hot weather on their populations. In Switzerland, a group of seniors is pursuing legal action to press the government for stronger climate action, citing the vulnerability of older women to intense heat.
One challenge for researchers is that heat-related deaths often occur in individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, which means that heat is not recorded as the underlying cause of death. This masks the significant impact of heat on vulnerable people, who experience up to 30% more deaths in certain age groups during hot weather periods.
“The problem will become more acute due to climate change, and medical systems need to adapt,” warned Matthias an der Heiden of Germany’s Robert Koch Institute.
An der Heiden highlighted that the Nature study estimated almost double the number of heat-related deaths in Germany last year compared to his institute’s figures. Although this discrepancy can be attributed to different threshold values for heat, it underscores the need for a more detailed description of heat-related mortality that distinguishes between moderate and severe heat.
According to co-author Ballester, the impact of heat depends significantly on the overall health of the population, particularly regarding heart and lung disease. Initiatives such as raising awareness about the dangers of high temperatures and identifying individuals requiring special attention during heatwaves, as already implemented in countries like France, are considered cost-effective measures.
“In my opinion and the opinion of all climate scientists, the less the climate is modified, the better,” stated Ballester. “That’s why it’s crucial that we begin mitigating climate change and reducing vulnerability as soon as possible.”
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage is supported by various private foundations. Learn more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
