November 22, 2024

Heatwaves Responsible for 150,000+ Deaths Annually

Research studies have formerly measured the impact of specific heatwaves on excess deaths in regional locations, but have actually not compared these stats around the world over such an extended period.Study Methodology and Data AnalysisIn the new study, scientists utilized information from the Multi-Country Multi-City (MCC) Collaborative Research Network that included daily deaths and temperature levels from 750 locations throughout 43 countries. With the MCC information, the scientists estimated excess heatwave deaths around the world spanning 1990 to 2019 and mapped the difference in these deaths throughout continents.During the warm seasons from 1990 to 2019, heatwave-related excess deaths accounted for 153,078 deaths per year, an overall of 236 deaths per 10 million residents or 1% of international deaths. A significant concern of estimated deaths was seen in southern and eastern Europe as well as the location between Northern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Southern Asia.Regional Disparities in Heatwave MortalityAt the nationwide level, Greece, Malta, and Italy had the highest excess death ratios.