Global Warming: More Than 5 Million Per Year Suffer From Heat-Related Deaths

Numerous other changes in the Earth's climate have happened as the globe has warmed. Climate change largely affects most people through changes in extreme weather and climatic events such as heat waves, torrential downpours, and, in certain regions, devastating floods and droughts.

A 20-year research revealed that extremely hot or cold temperatures kill more than 5 million people worldwide each year and heat-related fatalities are on the rise. The study, which involved hundreds of experts from around the world, discovered that heat or cold exposure causes 9.4 percent of worldwide mortality each year, which equates to 74 additional deaths per 100,000 people.

(Photo : Photo by Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
PALM SPRINGS, CA - JULY 8, 2021: As the sun beats down on the Forever Marilyn statue, tourists stop for quick photos in 110 degree temperatures on July 8, 2021 in downtown Palm Springs, California. Another heat wave is expected this weekend in Southern California.

According to a recent study, temperatures across 43 nations climbed by 0.26 degrees Celsius every decade between 2000 and 2019. Heat-related mortality were on the rise, while cold-related deaths were on the down. Over a two-decade span, the study discovered that cold killed more individuals than heat.

Eastern Europe had the largest excess mortality rate due to heat, whereas Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest mortality rate due to cold temperatures. In both extreme cold and high heat, the number of heart attacks, cardiac arrests, and strokes rises.

The findings follow a separate research by the Global Climate and Health Alliance, which rated Australia equal last of 66 nations in terms of attempts to include human health issues into climate pledges.

Top Countries with Highest Heat Related Fatalities

The researchers developed a model to forecast heat wave-related excess mortality in 412 communities across 20 nations and regions between 2031 and 2080, based on several global climate change scenarios.

They discovered that if current trends continue, nations and areas around the equator will see the highest rise in heat wave-related mortality, with European countries and the United States suffering lower increases. Colombia, followed by the Philippines and Brazil, would see the greatest rise in heat wave mortality if no adaptation to climate change is made. Changes in heat wave-related mortality from 2031 to 2080, compared to 1971 to 2020, vary from nearly 2,000 percent in Colombia to 150 percent in Moldova under the most unlikely circumstance.

Also read: Towering Inferno Explodes Above the Caspian Sea, Triggered by Mud Volcano

Heat Related Illnesses

Here are the common heat related illnesses that killed more thang 50 million people.

1. The most dangerous heat-related disease is heat stroke.

It occurs when the body's temperature becomes uncontrollable: the body's temperature increases fast, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke develops, the body temperature can quickly increase to 106°F or higher. If emergency care is not provided, heat stroke can result in death or severe disability.

2. Heat exhaustion

This is the body's reaction to an excessive loss of water and salt, which is generally caused by excessive sweating. Workers who are old, have high blood pressure, or work in a hot workplace are more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion.

3. Rhabdomyolysis

A medical disease caused by heat stress and continuous physical activity that causes muscle disintegration, rupture, and death. When muscle tissue dies, electrolytes and big proteins are discharged into the circulation, causing irregular heartbeats, seizures, and kidney damage.

4. Heat syncope

A fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness caused by prolonged standing or abrupt rising from a sitting or lying posture. Dehydration and a lack of acclimation are two factors that may lead to heat syncope.

5. Heat cramps

More common in employees who sweat profusely after hard activities. Sweating depletes the body of salt and moisture. Muscle cramps are caused by low salt levels in the muscles. Heat cramps are also a sign of heat exhaustion.