Summer Heat Death Count Revealed in Recent Research - Sweltering summer brings an alarming rise in heat-related fatalities, according to recent research
The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are driving climate change, resulting in observed temperature increases, according to a new study conducted by researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. This study has revealed a concerning trend in several European cities, where the use of renewable energy could potentially halt the progression of hotter summers.
The study found that the use of fossil fuels is putting the lives of older people at risk and straining healthcare systems. In the summer of 2021 alone, global warming is estimated to have led to an additional 16,500 heat-related deaths in European cities, accounting for about two-thirds (68%) of all heat deaths in the 854 cities considered.
The study suggests that heat poses an increasing threat to Europe's aging population. People over 65 accounted for about 85% of all heat-related deaths in the studied cities. The average temperature increase in these cities, due to climate change, is 2.2°C.
The study's lead researcher, Eleni Myrivili, has attributed this alarming figure to human-caused global warming. Individual cases in the studied cities have seen temperature increases of up to 3.6°C.
The study's findings have had a significant impact on several European cities. For instance, London experienced an additional 315 heat deaths, while Rome saw an additional 835 heat deaths. Athens, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, and Bucharest also recorded significant increases in heat-related deaths. Specifically, Paris experienced an additional 409 heat deaths, Madrid saw an additional 387 heat deaths, and Berlin experienced an additional 140 heat deaths. Bucharest recorded an additional 360 heat deaths. Germany recorded the third-highest number of heat-related deaths in Europe with 1,477 deaths in cities.
The majority of heat-related deaths go unreported, making the actual number of deaths potentially much higher. Clair Barnes of Imperial College London stated that even small shifts in summer heat can determine life or death for thousands of people. The researchers warn that continuing with the use of fossil fuels will exacerbate this issue.
The study's findings underscore the urgent need for Europe to transition to renewable energy sources to mitigate the impact of climate change on public health. The use of renewable energy is expected to stop Europe from experiencing hotter summers, thereby reducing the number of heat-related deaths. It is a call to action for policymakers and citizens alike to prioritise the fight against climate change for the sake of public health and the future of our cities.
