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Europe finds itself increasingly engulfed in bouts of heat so severe that the human body struggles to cope, as affirmed by the EU’s Copernicus climate monitoring service and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in their latest report released on Monday.
Unprecedented Heatwaves
The report, delving into Europe’s climate dynamics, highlights the extreme conditions witnessed last year, particularly emphasizing a scorching July heatwave that enveloped 41% of southern Europe in strong, very strong, or extreme heat stress – the largest area ever recorded under such conditions in European history.
Health Impacts
Extreme heat poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as outdoor workers, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Tragically, parts of Italy reported a 7% increase in deaths compared to normal levels last July, with instances such as a 44-year-old man collapsing and dying while painting road markings in the northern town of Lodi.
Escalating Heat Stress
Heat stress, a measure of the environmental impact on the human body, considers factors like temperature, humidity, and the body’s response to establish a “feels like” temperature. Regions across Spain, France, Italy, and Greece experienced up to ten days of extreme heat stress in 2023, characterized by “feels like” temperatures exceeding 46 degrees Celsius, prompting urgent action to mitigate heat stroke and associated health issues.
Alarming Trends
The report underscores a disturbing trend – deaths attributable to heat have surged by approximately 30% in Europe over the past two decades. In response, the EU’s environment agency has urged governments to fortify healthcare systems against the onslaught of climate change and advocated for EU regulations to safeguard outdoor workers from extreme heat exposure.
Root Causes
Attributing last year’s exceptional heat to greenhouse gas emissions, the report identifies them as the primary driver behind the unprecedented temperatures. Additionally, factors like the El Niño weather pattern have contributed to the escalation of extreme weather events, including flooding, as warmer atmospheres retain more moisture, leading to intensified downpours upon release.
Unforeseen Consequences
The severity, rapid onset, extent, and duration of events in 2023 have left the scientific community astounded, according to Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Instances such as floods in Slovenia affecting 1.5 million people, Greece witnessing its largest wildfire on record, and Alpine glaciers losing 10% of their remaining volume during 2022 and 2023, underscore the magnitude of the climate crisis Europe faces.
As Europe grapples with the ramifications of intensifying heat stress amidst a rapidly warming continent, urgent and concerted efforts are imperative to mitigate the impact on both human lives and the environment.
