A new study warns that heatstroke deaths in Europe could triple by the end of the century, with southern countries such as Spain, Italy and Greece likely to be hardest hit.
Ajit Niranjan reports for The Guardian.
in short:
If global temperatures rise by 3-4°C, deaths from heatstroke in Europe could far outweigh the reduction in deaths from cold. The study predicts that if temperatures rise significantly, heatstroke deaths could increase from 44,000 to 129,000 per year by 2100. Southern Europe, with its ageing population, is at highest risk from rising temperatures.
Important Quotes:
“As the climate gets warmer and the population gets older, we can expect to see more heat-related deaths, while cold-related deaths will only decline slightly.”
— David García Leon, European Commission Joint Research Centre
Why this is important:
With Europe already experiencing record heatwaves, the study highlights the need for urgent action on climate change: a warmer climate means vulnerable populations face greater health risks and puts strain on public health systems.
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