Heat-related deaths in Europe may triple by the century's end, with southern countries like Spain, Italy and Greece facing the greatest impact, a new study warns.
If global temperatures rise by 3C to 4C, heat-related deaths in Europe could far exceed the decrease in cold-related deaths.
The study predicts an increase from 44,000 to 129,000 heat deaths annually by 2100 if temperatures rise significantly.
Southern Europe, with an aging population, is most at risk from rising temperatures.
Key quote:
“Many more heat-related deaths are expected to occur as the climate warms and populations age, while deaths from cold decline only slightly.”
— David García-León, Joint Research Centre at the European Commission
Why this matters:
With Europe already experiencing record heatwaves, the study highlights the urgent need to address climate change. As the climate warms, vulnerable populations will face greater health risks, stressing public health systems.
Experts say, a changing climate is attracting waves of new tick varieties to the region, swamping beleaguered efforts to control tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
The continental United States is 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it was a century ago. Seas around the coasts are nine inches higher. Damage is mounting because of these fundamental changes, and Americans are living it.
