Heat waves could kill 90,000 Europeans per year by 2100: EEA

(AFP) — If nothing is done, heat waves could lead to the deaths of 90,000 Europeans each year by the end of the century, the European Environment Agency said.

"Without adaptation measures, and under a scenario of 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) global warming by 2100, 90,000 Europeans could die from extreme heat annually," it said.

"With 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) global warming, this is reduced to 30,000 deaths annually."

Countries have pledged to keep global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels -- a goal the world is set to miss on current emission trends.

Some 129,000 Europeans died from excessive heat in the period between 1980 and 2020, the agency said, citing insurance data.

But more frequent heat waves linked to climate change, an aging population and increased urbanization have made this figure likely to increase in coming years, especially in the south of the continent, it said.

The World Health Organization on Monday said at least 15,000 people had died so far this year in Europe because of hot weather.

The three months from June-August were the hottest in Europe since records began, and the exceptionally high temperatures led to the worst drought the continent has witnessed since the Middle Ages.

Beyond the danger of heat itself, the EEA said, climate change could also make Europe more prone to infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever spread by mosquito bites.

And the warming sea waters are becoming increasingly suitable for the bacteria that cause cholera, in particular along the coastlines of the Baltic Sea.

The EEA called for action.

"Nearly all deaths associated with high temperatures are preventable in the European context," it said.

"Reducing the health impacts of heat requires implementing a wide range of solutions, including effective heat health action plans, urban greening, appropriate building design and construction, and adjusting working times and conditions," it said.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit