Increasingly intense heat waves increase impacts from mortality to economic losses. In 2023, the highest global temperatures in 100,000 years were observed, while in 2022, heat records were broken on all continents, according to the latest Lancet Countdown report.
The report is based on the work of 114 scientists and health professionals from 52 research institutions and agencies around the world that belong to the United Nations (UN), which collected data on the effects of heat waves, as well as projections for the following decades.
“Climate change is damaging the natural and human systems that people depend on for good health. The global land area affected by extreme drought increased from 18% between 1951 and 1960 to 47% between 2013 and 2022, affecting water security, environmental sanitation and food production,” the specialists said in the report.
Every second, 1,337 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted from the use of fossil fuels, one of the main causes of global warming, according to the report. Photo: Pexels.
One of the most worrying features is mortality. According to the Lancet, babies under one year old and adults over 65 are the most likely to suffer the fatal consequences of extreme heat.
Assuming that the global average temperature continues to rise to just under 2°C, specialists project that annual heat-related deaths will increase to 370% by 2050.
On the other hand, the increase in heat waves and droughts in 2021 was associated with moderate or severe food insecurity. This represents that millions of people were at risk of suffering malnutrition and other diseases that are enhanced by high temperatures such as dengue, malaria, vibriosis and West Nile virus.
“Health systems are increasingly saturated and 27% of the cities surveyed said they are concerned that their health systems will be saturated by the impacts of climate change,” the report said.
On the economic side, specialists pointed out that losses due to weather events increased to 264 billion dollars in 2022. Lancet recognizes that these impacts are experienced in a context of inequality. Well, in terms of criteria such as the reduction of work capacity due to exposure to heat, it affected countries with a low and medium Human Development Index (HDI) the most.
Regarding implementation measures for emergency management, only 44% of countries with a low HDI and 54% with an average HDI reported actions in 2022, compared to 85% of countries with a very high HDI.
Mexico and its high temperatures
In 2020, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) warned that heat waves intensify and last longer days due to the interaction of the surface of the atmosphere if there are droughts. In addition to the impact of some weather phenomena such as El Niño or La Niña.
“Elderly people and children are the segment of the population most vulnerable to this phenomenon. Its negative effects can lead to dehydration and cardiovascular problems, due to sudden changes in temperature and extreme temperatures,” said Paulina Ordóñez, a researcher at the Center for Atmospheric Sciences of the UNAM.
According to the researcher, heat waves cannot be predicted in the long term, but it is possible to predict the climate variability that can lead to them.
Regarding heat waves, there have already been four this year and the fifth is expected in June. The Mexican government has focused on temperature monitoring and prevention campaigns. In some entities such as Mexico City, authorities reported that 232 oral rehydration rooms will be set up located in various health centers in the capital.
However, there is currently no concise national strategy to lower temperatures.
One of the main recommendations of the authorities in Mexico is to monitor the symptoms of heat stroke. Photo: Pixabay.
Projections and solutions
Globally, 1,337 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted every second. Lancet points to the use of fossil fuels as the main responsible for the increase in temperatures. According to estimates in the report, only 9.5% of the world's electricity comes from renewable energies such as solar and wind.
“It is worrying that oil and gas companies, driven by record profits, are further reducing their compliance with the Paris Agreement,” say Lancet specialists.
What is most serious for researchers is the projection of diseases caused by heat waves and droughts. In some cases such as dengue fever, it is estimated that transmission could increase between 36 and 37 percent by the middle of the century.
Despite the scenario, Lancet proposes a series of actions that could help reduce the effects.
“If the transition to renewable energy is made, it would be possible to access decentralized clean energy and, together with the necessary interventions to increase energy efficiency, energy poverty could be reduced and it would be possible to provide high-quality health support services,” the report proposes.
Finally, it highlights the relationship between a renewable energy industry and other sectors such as food, ensuring the need for a diet accessible to all and with a low carbon footprint.
Comentarios (0)