The number of deaths among older people caused by heat waves may increase by as much as 370 percent, warn scientists in the prestigious journal “Lancet”. According to them, a dramatic situation will occur if the average global temperature increases by two degrees Celsius.
The report by 114 researchers representing several dozen different international institutions was published on Tuesday in the scientific journal “Lancet”. Scientists warn that the number of deaths of older people caused by heat is constantly increasing. Since the 1990s, it has increased by 85%, and the prospects for the coming years are not optimistic.
Alarming heat data
The study shows that the number of annual heat-related deaths among people over 65 years of age will increase by 370%. by mid-century if global average temperature increases reach two degrees Celsius. Currently, according to scientists, it is 1.14 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile this year will likely be the warmest on recordaw Brazil has just broken a new temperature record – 58.5 degrees Celsius.
According to the report’s authors, in 2018-2022 we experienced life-threatening temperatures on average 86 days a year. In most cases, it was caused by and caused by humans climate change. Researchers remind that older people, but also children, are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of heat. However, study co-author Dr. Renee Salas believes that “all heat-related deaths are preventable.”
The number of vibrio infections and dengue cases will increase
Another problem that scientists have drawn attention to is the spread of bacteria and diseases that are dangerous to health and life, which is also a result of climate warming. According to them, in the years 2031-2060 by 23-39 percent. the number of infections with Vibrio will increase, and by 37%. the number will increase cases of mosquito-borne dengue. As temperatures rise, they adapt to growing in places where they could not survive before.
Scientists also remind that rising global temperatures lead to shortages of food and drinking water. The Lancet estimates that at the current rate of global warming, 525 million people will experience this problem in the coming decades.
ABC News, NBC News, New York Times
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