The arrival of the summer season and its climatic implications
Today, Sunday, May 31st, marks the end of the month and the full-fledged arrival of summer. That's right, although summer is still about 21 days away, the thermometer is already starting to rise in some parts of the country , reaching temperatures more typical of the warmer months.
With this season comes the risk of a heat wave, but… did you know that cold weather is more dangerous than warm weather? A study published in the journal "The Lancet" has reached this conclusion. Keep reading to find out more.
Study on mortality associated with extreme temperatures
It turns out that we tend to believe that extreme weather is responsible for a higher number of deaths, since current health policies focus on protecting our health during the summer period , explained Dr. Gasparini, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (located in the United Kingdom).
Gasparini and his team analyzed more than 74 million deaths between 1985 and 2012 in 13 countries with a wide variety of climates, ranging from cold to tropical. To do this, they considered several variables, such as average temperature and humidity , in order to calculate the optimal temperature (i.e., temperatures comfortable for the human body) for mortality. They also quantified deaths due to non-optimal ambient temperatures (extreme temperatures) in each location studied.
Thus, they found that approximately 7.71% of all deaths were caused by suboptimal temperatures , of which 7.29% were due to cold temperatures. Only 0.42% of deaths were attributed to heat, which has been linked to climate change.
Implications for public health
This 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 colder months, when the risk of mortality is significant. This is especially important considering that temperatures drop considerably in the coldest parts of Spain .
That said, use sunscreen during the warmer months, and… don't forget to protect yourself from the cold. It is vital that awareness campaigns be developed about the impact of extreme cold on health, especially in vulnerable populations.
Climate change and its effect on heat and cold waves
A study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) analyzed respiratory disease-related mortality in 1,3 million Spaniards between 1980 and 2016. This analysis revealed that heat is more deadly than cold for people with respiratory illnesses.
The research indicates that the seasonality of temperature-related mortality from respiratory illnesses has shifted from the colder months to the warmer months of the year. This suggests that the population's adaptation to lower temperatures has resulted in a decrease in winter mortality, although this does not mean that the cold is any less dangerous.
For this reason, the relationship between climate change and its impact is crucial to addressing the issue of 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. More 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 not only focus on the summer but also integrate year-round risk management, 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.
