Extreme temperatures and health (no further updates)

This object has been archived because its content is outdated. You can still access it as legacy.

Description

Heat waves and extreme cold spells are associated with decreases in general population well-being and with increases in mortality and morbidity, especially in vulnerable population groups. Temperature thresholds for health impacts differ according to the region and season.
The number of heat extremes has substantially increased across Europe in recent decades. Heat waves have caused tens of thousands of premature deaths in Europe since 2000.
It is virtually certain that the length, frequency and intensity of heat waves will increase in the future. This increase will lead to a substantial increase in mortality over the next decades, especially in vulnerable population groups, unless adaptation measures are taken.
Cold-related mortality is projected to decrease owing to better social, economic and housing conditions in many countries in Europe. There is inconclusive evidence about whether or not the projected warming will lead to a further substantial decrease in cold-related mortality.

Reference information

Websites:

https://www.eea.europa.eu/ds_resolveuid/IND-189-en

Source:

EEA

Contributor:

European Environment Agency

Published in Climate-ADAPT Jan 19, 2021 - Last Modified in Climate-ADAPT Apr 4, 2024

Date of publication:

2016

Health impact:

Heat

Keywords:

CLIM036, death, heat wave, human health, mortality, temperature, urban environment

Geographic characterisation:

Europe

Macro-Transnational region:

Black Sea Basin (NEXT), Mediterranean Sea Basin (NEXT), Mid-Atlantic, Adriatic-Ionian, Northern Periphery and Arctic, South West Europe, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean (Euro-Med), Atlantic Area, Danube Area, North Sea, Central Europe, North West Europe, Alpine Space