Extreme Heat's Health Impacts Increase Globally
Climate change is escalating the frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme heat events worldwide. Heat-related deaths have significantly risen, particularly impacting the elderly population.
Extreme heat poses a significant environmental and occupational health hazard, exacerbating numerous underlying illnesses and increasing the risk of accidents and certain infectious diseases. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency.[...]
As a consequence of climate change, an increasing number of people are exposed to extreme heat. Heat-related mortality among older adults (over 65) rose by approximately 85% between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021. Studies indicate that between 2000–2019, around 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred annually, with 45% in Asia and 36% in Europe. In Europe alone, an estimated 61,672 excess deaths were attributed to heat during the summer of 2022.
Vulnerability to heat is shaped by physiological factors such as age and health status, as well as exposure factors like occupation and socioeconomic conditions. Low-income populations in urban and rural areas are often disproportionately exposed to overheating due to poor housing quality and limited access to cooling.
The negative health impacts of heat are predictable and largely preventable. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidance for public health institutions to identify and manage extreme heat risks. Action on climate change, combined with comprehensive preparedness and risk management, can save lives now and in the future.