A new study from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine warns that extreme temperatures, especially heat, could lead to the deaths of as many as 2.3 million people in Europe by the end of the century. The study projects that without significant reductions in carbon emissions and improved adaptation measures, countries like Italy, southern Spain, and Greece could see a dramatic increase in heat-related deaths due to climate change.
While currently cold temperatures result in more deaths in Europe, the study predicts that as temperatures warm, heat-related deaths will rise rapidly. Even in the best-case scenarios with reduced emissions and increased adaptation, there is still a net increase in temperature-related deaths as the world continues to warm.
The study also highlights the differences in vulnerability between regions, with wealthier western European countries faring better than eastern Europe. The Mediterranean region is identified as a climate hotspot experiencing rapid warming, with Malta projected to see a significant increase in temperature-related deaths.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for adaptation measures such as air conditioning, cooling centers, and green spaces to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures on populations, especially in older European cities with limited cooling infrastructure. This study serves as a stark warning of the potential consequences of climate change on human health in Europe unless immediate action is taken to curb emissions and adapt to changing conditions.
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