World’s hottest day recorded on Sunday, climate monitor says
Al JazeeraAUG 2024
Temperature-related mortality risk in Europe would rise significantly as a result of climate change and an aging population, presenting new challenges to public health systems. Policymakers and health authorities can prevent health disparities from worsening by focusing on protecting more vulnerable areas and seniors. Improving resilience and adaptation in the forecasted high-risk areas, mostly in Southern Europe, could help to keep mortality numbers down.
Since people over 60 have more chronic conditions than younger people, heat waves fueled by climate change increase their risk of illness and death. Due to limited mobility and inability to get help, elderly people with low incomes may find themselves trapped in their homes in scorching heat if lacking AC. Others may need help with AC repairs, or assistance paying utility costs to keep the AC running. The demand for local services is likely to intensify. Cities can also set up cooling stations and distribute bottled water.
There is a 97% chance there will be at least 2˚C of global warming by 2100, according to the Metaculus prediction community.