The arrival of the summer season and its climatic implications
Today, Sunday May 31, we end the month and enter fully into the summer season. That's right, although there are still about 21 days until summer arrives, the truth is that in some areas of the country the thermometer begins to rise, reaching temperatures more typical of the hot months.
With this season comes the risk of suffering a heat wave, but ... Did you know that cold weather is more dangerous than hot? A study published in the journal »The Lancet» has reached this conclusion. Keep reading to know more.
Study on mortality associated with extreme temperatures
It turns out that we tend to believe that extreme weather is responsible for the highest number of deaths, since current health policies focus on protecting our health during the summer period, as explained by Dr Gasparini, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (located in the UK).
Gasparini and his team analyzed more than 74 million deaths between 1985 and 2012 in 13 countries with a wide range of climates, from cold to tropical. To do so, they took into account several variables, such as medium temperature and moisture, and thus be able to calculate the optimal temperature (that is, temperatures pleasant for the human body) of mortality. Deaths due to non-optimal ambient temperatures (extreme temperatures) of each place investigated were also quantified.
Thus, they verified that around 7% of all deaths were caused by non-optimal temperatures, of which 7% were due to cold temperatures. Only 29% of deaths were attributed to heat, which has been linked to climate change.
Implications for public health
These data can help expand the public health protection program, not only during the summer, but especially also during the winter. It is crucial to adjust health strategies to include measures that protect the population during the cold months, when the risk of mortality is significant. This is especially important considering that in the coldest places in Spain temperatures drop considerably.
Having said that, use sunscreen during the hottest months, and… don't forget to protect you from the cold. It is vital to develop awareness campaigns about the impact of extreme cold on health, especially among vulnerable populations.
Climate change and its effect on heat and cold waves
A study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) analyzed mortality related to respiratory diseases in 1,3 million Spaniards between 1980 and 2016. This analysis revealed that Heat is more deadly than cold for people with respiratory diseases.
Research indicates that the seasonality of temperature-attributable mortality from respiratory diseases has shifted from the coldest to the warmest months of the year. This suggests that adaptation of the population to lower temperatures has resulted in a decrease in winter mortality, although this does not mean that the cold is less dangerous.
For this reason, the relationship between climate change and its impact is crucial to addressing public health during both seasons.
The consequences of extreme cold on health
Although extreme temperatures are a cause for concern, the way they affect health varies. For example, extreme cold causes multiple health problems, including:
- Hypothermia: is a dangerous condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, which can result in serious injury or even death.
- Freezing: affects exposed areas of the body, such as the hands, feet, nose, and ears, and can cause permanent damage to skin and tissue.
- Worsening of existing diseases: People with chronic illnesses, especially cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, are more vulnerable to low temperatures.
- Increase in accidents and falls: Ice and snow contribute to an increased risk of injury.
Extreme heat and its effects on health
On the other hand, extreme heat also has repercussions for public health. High temperatures can cause:
- Heat stroke: a medical emergency that occurs when the body heats up to dangerous levels, affecting vital functions and causing brain damage.
- Dehydration: which can lead to serious complications, being especially dangerous for the elderly and children.
- Increase in respiratory diseases: Air pollution tends to increase in warmer climates, exacerbating conditions such as asthma.
- Heat-related injuries: such as cramps and exhaustion, which are common during prolonged heat waves.
The global response to climate change
The scientific community warns that heat-related deaths will increase as global temperatures continue to rise. The most developed countries will likely see a decrease in cold-related risks, but poorer countries will face an increase in heat-related deaths, exacerbating global inequality.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that climate change is already having a significant effect on public health, underscoring the need for adaptive policies that do not only focus on the summer, but integrate risk management throughout the year, as seen in the analysis of the future effects of climate change.
Recommendations for dealing with extreme temperatures
To maximize protection against the effects of cold and heat, the following strategies are recommended:
- For the cold:
- Wear several layers of clothing to maintain body heat.
- Ensure homes are well insulated and heated.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during cold snaps.
- For the heat:
- Stay hydrated by consuming enough water and electrolytes.
- Limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours.
- Use air conditioning or fans to keep spaces cool.
As we continue to face these challenges, it is critical that both individuals and communities prepare for the health effects of extreme temperatures and collaborate to develop effective programs that address both cold and heat.
The data and studies presented are a clear call for health and public policy makers to prioritize addressing these issues, thereby seeking to improve the population's resilience to the challenges posed by both cold and heat.
