Record-Breaking 'Extreme Heat Stress' Days in Europe's Contrasting 2023 Summer: A Health Threat
Europe experienced a record-breaking year of extreme weather in 2023, with a high number of "extreme heat stress" days, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service and the UN's World Meteorological Organization.
The continent faced scorching heatwaves, catastrophic flooding, withering droughts, violent storms, and its largest wildfire.
These disasters caused billions of dollars in damages and affected over two million people.
The text discusses the health consequences of Europe's record-breaking extreme heat stress in 2023.
According to the Copernicus and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), heat is the biggest climate-related threat to health in Europe as global warming causes hotter summers.
Using the Universal Thermal Climate Index, they found an increasing trend in the number of heat stress days across Europe, with 2023 setting a new record.
This index considers not just temperature but also humidity, wind speed, sunshine, and surrounding heat.
It has 10 categories of heat and cold stress, measured in degrees Celsius as a "feels-like" temperature.
According to Emerton, extreme heat stress is a serious health concern with a "feels-like" temperature above 46 degrees Celsius.
It's crucial to take preventative measures against heat stroke at this temperature.
Prolonged exposure to heat stress, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, can be particularly dangerous.
The report also noted that the impact of heat is more pronounced in urban areas.
These disasters caused billions of dollars in damages and affected over two million people.
The text discusses the health consequences of Europe's record-breaking extreme heat stress in 2023.
According to the Copernicus and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), heat is the biggest climate-related threat to health in Europe as global warming causes hotter summers.
Using the Universal Thermal Climate Index, they found an increasing trend in the number of heat stress days across Europe, with 2023 setting a new record.
This index considers not just temperature but also humidity, wind speed, sunshine, and surrounding heat.
It has 10 categories of heat and cold stress, measured in degrees Celsius as a "feels-like" temperature.
According to Emerton, extreme heat stress is a serious health concern with a "feels-like" temperature above 46 degrees Celsius.
It's crucial to take preventative measures against heat stroke at this temperature.
Prolonged exposure to heat stress, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, can be particularly dangerous.
The report also noted that the impact of heat is more pronounced in urban areas.
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