To save lives in heatwaves, focus on how human bodies work
Briefly

During the summers of 2022 and 2023, nearly 110,000 heat-related deaths occurred in Europe, equivalent to a daily crash of a fully occupied jumbo jet for 16 weeks. Impacts of heat include worsened mental health, increased violence, and premature births. Without improved adaptation, heat-related deaths could rise 3.7 times by mid-century with a global temperature increase of 2 °C. Heat stress may cost the global economy $2.4 trillion annually by 2030. Current public alert methods focus only on temperature, failing to account for individual risk factors.
Close to 110,000 heat-related deaths are estimated to have occurred in Europe during the summers of 2022 and 2023 combined. That's roughly the same number of people as if a fully occupied jumbo jet crashed every day for 16 weeks.
Without better adaptation, heat-related deaths are projected to rise 3.7-fold by mid-century if global temperatures reach 2 °C above pre-industrial levels.
Heat stress in the workplace is expected to cost the global economy US$2.4 trillion each year in lost productivity by 2030.
Heat stress is defined by more than just temperature, and can affect multiple physiological systems, including the heart and kidneys.
Read at Nature
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