Can global warming cause death? Is it possible for increasingly extreme temperatures to result in fatalities? It’s certainly a grim prospect, but one that is increasingly becoming a reality as the planet grows warmer due to human activity. Climate change already has a negative impact on the health of both humans and animals, but it is a very real threat to human life as well.
From heatstroke and dehydration to heart attack and stroke, the number of heat-related fatalities has been increasing over the past few decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), on average, between 2006 and 2018, more than 10,000 Americans died each year due to heat-related causes. This number is expected to grow as global temperatures continue to rise. In Europe, over the decade of 1990–2002, the death toll due to heat-related causes rose significantly. Heat-related deaths accounted for up to 50% of all natural deaths during heatwaves. In some countries, heat-related deaths have already eclipsed fatalities from other disasters like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. A recent study found that climate-related deaths in the United States had more than quadrupled from the pre-industrial era.
As the climate continues to warm, the greatest threat is to those who are most vulnerable: the elderly, those living in poverty or those living in socioeconomic deprivation, the homeless, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. In a hotter world, the elderly are particularly at risk as their bodies are not as capable of dealing with extreme temperatures as those of younger individuals. In many cases, poverty can lead to overcrowded and poorly insulated homes, meaning that some individuals are unable to keep cool in times of heatwave. For the homeless, heatwaves are particularly dangerous as they do not have access to cooling systems, and relying on public spaces where they can cool off is often not an option. Those with pre-existing medical conditions may be at particular risk as their medications can make their bodies more sensitive to heat.
In addition to direct causes of death like heatstroke, global warming can also compound other existing health issues. Rising temperatures can lead to an increase in the spread of infectious diseases, water shortages, wildfires, food insecurity, and air pollution, all of which can further contribute to mortality rates. A recent study has linked climate change with an increase in cardiovascular deaths, demonstrating that as temperatures rise, so does the risk of death from cardiovascular events. Similarly, climate change has been linked to respiratory problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
It is clear, then, that global warming does have a direct impact on death rates, and that if the trend of rising temperatures and extreme weather continues, the death toll is only likely to increase. However, the good news is that death from climate change-related causes is preventable. By taking steps to reduce our carbon emissions and adapt to the changing climate, lives can be saved. As the effects of global warming become increasingly undeniable, it is more important than ever that governments invest in climate adaptation strategies, such as implementing preventative health measures, building heat-resistant housing, and improving air quality.
The time to act is now. By reducing emissions and investing in adaptation strategies, we can not only mitigate potential harm from climate change-related fatalities but also ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
