Introduction
Europe is experiencing one of the most intense heat waves in its history, with temperatures above 40°C affecting nearly a quarter of the continent's population. The extreme heat is already linked to over 1,000 deaths in France in just three days, according to the French Ministry of Health.
Health Impacts
The most affected age group was people 65 years and older, with 85% of deaths occurring in this group. Deaths increased in hospitals, nursing homes, and particularly at home, with a 40% increase. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist highlighted that the impact of the heat wave can last up to 10 days after temperatures decrease.
Environmental Consequences
The extreme heat also affected rivers in Europe, reducing their volume and warming their waters. This caused problems for electricity generation and agriculture. Temperatures in Europe have risen by about 0.56°C per decade over the past 30 years, more than double the global average.
Economic Costs
The 2022 heat waves cost around $2 billion (R$ 10.4 billion) in Europe. An analysis by the Allianz insurance company shows that previous heat waves reduced Europe's annual GDP by up to 0.5% and by more than 1% in some southern regions. In the medium term, if the five hottest years between 2014 and 2024 repeat sequentially between 2026 and 2030, countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain may suffer cumulative GDP losses between 5% and 7%.
Conclusion
The heat wave in Europe is a clear sign of the consequences of global warming. It is essential that European governments and companies take measures to adapt daily life to hotter summers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is a global challenge that requires a coordinated and effective response.
Source / Reference
Source: ClimaInfo