Deaths linked to rising temperatures risk tripling by the end of the century.
This is what several researchers warn about in a new study.
– This research is a stark reminder of the number of lives we risk if we don’t act quickly enough on climate change, said Madeleine Thomson, director of climate impact and adaptation at the charity Wellcome.
Several countries in Europe have suffered from extreme heat during the summer and the month of June was the hottest month ever measured globally.
Now several scientists are warning of catastrophic consequences if the temperature increase continues.
Southern Europe most vulnerable
According to a study published in The Lancet Public Health, the number of heat-related deaths in Europe is at risk of reaching 129,000 – a threefold increase compared to today.
– We have already seen how extreme heat phenomena can cause crop failure, devastating forest fires, damage critical infrastructure and hit the economy. All of this will have repercussions on our lives, Madeleine Thomson, head of climate impact and adaptation at the charity Wellcome, told The Guardian.
Spain, Italy, Greece and parts of France are the countries that will be hit hardest. Above all in areas with high poverty, according to the study. The researchers urge countries to adapt to a warmer climate. Among other things, by investing in hospitals and insulating buildings.
“Worst imaginable scenario”
But according to Elisa Gallo, an environmental epidemiologist at ISGlobal, it is necessary to take care of the original problem.
– If we want to avoid the worst possible scenario, it is important to tackle the root of the problem by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, she says.
According to the study, the number of heat-related deaths in Europe will exceed cold-related deaths.