A new study published in Nature Medicine has found that over 60,000 deaths in Europe between 30 May and 4 September 2022 were heat-related [1]. The authors suggested the findings support a revamping of heat-related surveillance systems and the creation of greater prevention and response plans.
Today the World Meteorological Organization, a UN agency, published a media release calling attention to the study and the necessity around warning systems and action plans [2]. In recent weeks the world has seen soaring temperatures with record highs falling regularly. With the El Nino conditions that only started this summer, concerns are growing for what might be in store for global climates in the years to follow.
Recent events are not out of step with climate forecasts as a result of Climate Change.
References
1. Ballester, J., Quijal-Zamorano, M., Méndez Turrubiates, R.F. et al. Heat-related mortality in Europe during the summer of 2022. Nat Med 29, 1857–1866 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02419-z. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02419-z