Europe is experiencing increasingly hotter summers, posing a significant threat to public health, according to a recent report by the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service and the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The study highlights record levels of heat stress across the continent in 2023, attributing the alarming trend to global warming.
Heat stress arises not only from soaring temperatures but also from factors such as humidity, wind conditions, and urban heat islands created by concrete structures. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe health consequences, including heat stroke and increased mortality rates.
“We’re seeing an increasing trend in the number of days with heat stress across Europe, and 2023 was no exception,” said Rebecca Emerton, a climate scientist at Copernicus. The report notes a record number of “extreme heat stress” days last year, with feels-like temperatures exceeding 46 degrees Celsius.
On July 23, during the peak of a summer heatwave, an unprecedented 41% of southern Europe experienced strong to extreme heat stress levels. Regions in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Türkiye faced up to ten days of extreme heat stress, while southern Spain endured up to 80 days of very strong heat stress.
The rising temperatures have led to a 30% increase in heat-related deaths over the past two decades in Europe. This trend raises global concerns, particularly for Asian countries that may face similar challenges due to climate change. The health implications underscore the urgent need for international cooperation to mitigate global warming and adapt to its impacts.
As Europe grapples with these extreme conditions, the effects serve as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of climate issues. Countries across Asia are encouraged to take proactive measures to address heat stress, protect public health, and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.
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Increasingly hot European summers are harming health, report says
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