Exceeding 1.53 lakh fatalities annually were linked to heatwaves globally, with India contributing more than a fifth of these deaths, making it the foremost contributor, as per recent analysis spanning three decades since 1990. China and Russia followed India, each witnessing approximately 14% and 8% of these heatwave-induced excessive mortalities, respectively.
Conducted by Monash University, Australia, the research uncovered that heatwave-induced excessive deaths constituted roughly one-third of all heat-related fatalities and 1% of total global mortalities. Furthermore, it revealed that nearly half of the total 1.53 lakh surplus deaths occurring each summer originated from Asia, with over 30% stemming from Europe. Moreover, regions characterized by arid climates and mid-level incomes exhibited the highest estimated mortality rates. These findings have been documented in PLoS Medicine.
“The period from 1990 to 2019 saw heatwave-related excessive mortalities averaging 153,078 annually, equating to 236 deaths per ten million inhabitants or 1% of global fatalities,” noted the authors. Utilizing data from the UK-based Multi-Country Multi-City (MCC) Collaborative Research Network, encompassing daily mortality and temperature records from 750 sites across 43 nations, the researchers conducted their study.
Comparing the decade leading up to 2019 with the preceding one ending in 1999, the average duration of annual heatwaves extended from 13.4 to 13.7 days worldwide, with ambient temperatures rising by 0.35 degrees Celsius per decade on average. The researchers highlighted that while previous studies have quantified excess deaths attributable to heatwaves locally, a comprehensive global comparison over an extended period has been lacking.
“Heatwaves have conferred a significant mortality burden that has spatial and temporal variations across the globe over the past 30 years,” remarked the authors. The findings underscore the potential benefits of government interventions aimed at bolstering health sector adaptability and resilience. They advocate for a holistic approach addressing not only immediate health hazards during heatwaves but also implementing enduring strategies to mitigate vulnerability and disparities among communities.
“These strategies encompass climate change mitigation policies, heat action plans (e.g., early warning systems for heat), urban planning and green infrastructure, social support programs, healthcare and public health services, educational outreach, and community involvement and engagement,” concluded the authors.