The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the EU’s Copernicus Climate Observatory said on Monday that Europe is experiencing unbearably hot conditions as climate change raises temperatures.
According to the European Climate Survey by Copernicus and the WMO, most regions in Europe experienced strong, very strong or severe heat stress in one day during the heat wave in July.
People who work outdoors, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of extreme heat.
In July last year, 7% more people died than usual in some Italian regions. One person dies A 44-year-old man was painting street signs when he collapsed and died in the northern city of Lodi.
Heat stress combines factors such as temperature, humidity, and the body’s response to determine the effect of the environment on human health, creating a “perceived” temperature.
In 2023, parts of Spain, France, Italy and Greece will experience up to 10 days of extremely hot weather. Extreme heat stress is defined as a “feeling” temperature above 46 degrees, where immediate action should be taken to prevent heat stroke and other health problems.
According to reports, heat-related deaths in Europe have increased by around 30% over the past 20 years.
Last month, the European Union’s environmental agency called on governments to prepare health systems for the effects of climate change and to create EU rules to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat.
The world recorded its hottest year ever last year. Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world.
The report said greenhouse gas emissions were the main reason for last year’s unusually high temperatures. El Nino weather conditions are also a contributing factor.
Warmer weather is a major contributor to flooding, including flash floods, because a warmer atmosphere contains more moisture and can produce more rainfall.
In Slovenia, 1.5 million people were affected by floods last year. At 960 square kilometers, the fire in Greece was twice the size of Athens and the largest in the history of the EU. Between 2022 and 2023, the glacier lost 10% of its remaining volume.
According to Carlo Buontempo, head of the Copernicus Climate Change Agency: “Some events of 2023 surprised the scientific community because of their intensity, initial speed, distance and duration.”
