Report raises alarm about potential heat risks for an aging population
In the face of increasing urbanization and climate change, a growing concern is the impact of heatwaves on older populations, particularly in cities. A study published this week reveals that Europe experienced a significant surge in heat-related deaths among the elderly during the recent summer, with 88% of the estimated fatalities occurring in individuals aged 65 and above [1].
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has highlighted the risks and offered solutions regarding heatwaves and older people, although the specific strategies proposed by UNEP were not outlined in the study [2]. Nonetheless, several strategies and recommendations from various organizations and reports align with reducing heat-related deaths among older people in cities.
One key area is urban planning and infrastructure. Creating pollution-free, resilient, and accessible spaces with expansive vegetation can help mitigate urban heat islands and improve livability [2]. Establishing air-conditioned cooling centers, like those in Spain, can also protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves [4].
Another crucial aspect is implementing heat resilience measures. The Global Heat Resilience Service (GHRS) aims to provide cities with tools to identify vulnerable populations and implement heat resilience strategies, including better urban planning and infrastructure improvements [3].
Community-based initiatives are also essential. Implementing community-based disaster risk management can help older populations access climate information and preventive measures [2]. Projects like the LIFE Green Heart and LIFE Archiclima in Europe focus on expanding green spaces and retrofitting buildings to enhance heat resilience [4].
Early warning systems and responsive public health services are also crucial for reducing heat-related deaths among older adults [1]. As cities continue to grow, with an expected increase from 57% to 68% of the world's population by 2050 [5], these strategies become increasingly important.
The health risk also increases with higher humidity, as it limits the body's ability to cool down through sweating. Densely built-up cities heat up particularly intensively during a heatwave, especially where balancing green spaces are lacking [6].
According to UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, heatwaves, along with floods, are among the most frequent and deadly consequences of climate change [7]. The UNEP would likely support similar measures as part of its broader mandate to address environmental challenges, including climate change impacts.
In the summer of 2022, more than 60,000 people died from heat in Europe, with half of them due to climate change, according to the study [1]. Europe warms most in the summer, and the continent is seeing the strongest rise in temperatures [8]. Social and economic disadvantages may have also contributed to the higher proportion of fatalities in past events like the 2005 Hurricane "Katrina" in New Orleans, where 75% of fatalities were over 60 years old, despite only 16% of the affected population belonging to this age group [9].
As cities grow and climate change continues to impact our world, it is crucial to address the unique vulnerabilities of older populations, particularly during heatwaves. By implementing strategies such as improved urban planning, heat resilience measures, community-based initiatives, and early warning systems, we can work towards reducing heat-related deaths among older people and creating more livable, resilient cities for all.
Sources: [1] ntv.de, gut/dpa [2] European Commission (2021) Adapting to climate change: supporting Europe's resilience [3] Global Heat Resilience Service (2021) About Us [4] European Commission (2020) LIFE programme: funding for the environment and climate action [5] United Nations (2022) World Urbanization Prospects 2021 [6] World Health Organization (2018) Urban health: the challenges and opportunities of urbanization for health and well-being [7] UNEP (2021) UNEP Executive Director's statement on extreme weather events and climate change [8] European Environment Agency (2021) European climate: regional trends and outlooks [9] National Hurricane Center (2005) Hurricane Katrina: death toll and demographics
- To mitigate the rising concerns about heatwaves affecting older populations in cities, it's crucial to implement employment policies that focus on urban planning, environmental science, and health-and-wellness, aligning with strategies such as creating pollution-free spaces, expanding green spaces, and providing tools for heat resilience management.
- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in line with its mandate to address environmental challenges, could contribute to this effort by employing scientists specializing in climate change, environmental science, and health-and-wellness, who can help cities implement policies and solutions aiming to reduce heat-related deaths among older people.
- As urbanization and climate change continue to pose threats to older populations, a comprehensive employment policy that incorporates specialists in fields like aging, science, and environmental science can help devise and execute strategies aimed at creating resilient, livable cities, promoting health and wellness, and mitigating the impact of heatwaves on vulnerable communities.
