A Desolate Scenario
The figures on heat deaths in Europe are worrying. Currently, around 43,000 deaths are recorded annually due to extreme temperatures, but a recent study published in The Lancet Public Health predicts that this number could triple to more than 128,000 deaths annually by 2100 if policies are maintained current climate
The Importance of Climate Policies
The research, which analyzed data from 854 European cities, highlights the urgent need to review and strengthen environmental policies to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change, in particular to protect the most vulnerable populations, including Mediterranean regions such as Spain, Italy and Greece
A Worrying Increase in Mortality
Recent summers have been particularly warm in Europe, with a marked increase in mortality, especially among the elderly. According to the study, the population of this age group is expected to grow, contributing to an increase in heat-related deaths. With global warming of 3°C, we could see a 13.5% increase in deaths from extreme temperatures during this century.
From Cold Reality to Intense Heat
At present, deaths from the cold exceed eight times those attributed to the heat. However, this dynamic is changing. Juan Carlos Ciscar, researcher at the European Commission’s Joint Research Center, points out that a dramatic change in the proportion of heat deaths is expected during this century.
Alarming Predictions
It is estimated that heat deaths could increase from 43,729 to 128,809 by the end of the century, while cold deaths could decrease slightly, from 363,809 to 333,703.
The Mediterranean Region: A Vulnerability Focus
The regions of southern Europe, especially those surrounding the Mediterranean, will be the most affected. In Spain, for example, it is estimated that deaths from heat could increase dramatically, from 4,414 to 20,194 per 100,000 inhabitants by the year 2100.
Final Reflections on Climate Change
As climate change progresses, its repercussions on public health become more apparent. It is essential that authorities and society take immediate action to address this challenge, not only to preserve life, but also to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
