The researchers calculated that there were 21,518 heat-related deaths from 1999-2023, emphasizing a staggering 117% increase since 1999, indicating a significant public health crisis.
As temperatures continue to rise because of climate change, the recent increasing trend is likely to continue, suggesting that the impact of heat on mortality will worsen.
There is also a social and behavioral component as well, including differences in access to air conditioning... which affects vulnerability to heat-related illnesses.
The hottest year on record also marked the highest number of heat-related fatalities, highlighting a concerning trend amidst increasing emergency room visits for such illnesses.
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