Health

Global warming responsible for one in three heat-related deaths

An international study has indicated that between 1991 and 2018, more than a third of all deaths in which heat played a role were attributable to human-induced global warming
An international study has indicated that between 1991 and 2018, more than a third of all deaths in which heat played a role were attributable to human-induced global warming An international study has indicated that between 1991 and 2018, more than a third of all deaths in which heat played a role were attributable to human-induced global warming

MORE than a third of all deaths in which heat played a role between 1991 and 2018 were attributable to human-induced global warming, a study has indicated.

Using data from 732 locations in 43 countries around the world, researchers say it shows for the first time the actual contribution of man-made climate change in increasing mortality risks due to heat.

The estimates indicate that 37 per cent of all heat-related deaths in the recent summer periods were attributable to the warming of the planet due to human activities.

Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the University of Bern within the Multi-Country Multi-City (MCC) Collaborative Research Network also estimate the number of deaths from human-induced climate change that occurred in specific cities.

There were 136 additional deaths per year in Santiago (44.3 per cent of total heat-related deaths in the city), 189 in Athens (26.1 per cent), 172 in Rome (32 per cent), 156 in Tokyo (35.6 per cent), 177 in Madrid (31.9 per cent), 146 in Bangkok (53.4 per cent), 82 in London (33.6 per cent), 141 in New York (44.2 per cent), and 137 in Ho Chi Minh City (48.5 per cent).

The authors say the research is evidence of the need to adopt strong mitigation policies to reduce future warming.

Dr Ana Vicedo-Cabrera, from the University of Bern, said: "We expect the proportion of heat-related deaths to continue to grow if we don't do something about climate change or adapt."

Prof Antonio Gasparrini from LSHTM said the message of the study was clear: "Climate change will not just have devastating impacts in the future, but every continent is already experiencing the dire consequences of human activities on our planet. We must act now."