Risk of Death Rises as Climate Change Causes NightTime Temperatures to Climb
Climate change may increase the mortality rate due to excessive heat by six times by the end of the century, according to a modeling study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal. Researchers from the University of North Carolina, US noted that ambient heat during the night may interrupt the normal physiology of sleep.
Less sleep can then lead to immune system damage and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic illnesses, inflammation, and mental health conditions, they said.
The study found that the average intensity of hot night events will nearly double by 2090, from 20.4 degrees Celsius to 39.7 degrees Celsius across 28 cities in east Asia, increasing the burden of disease due to excessive heat that disrupts normal sleep.
The findings show that the burden of mortality could be significantly higher than estimated by the average daily temperature increase.
The results suggest that warming from climate change could have a troubling impact, even under restrictions from the Paris Climate Agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
The team was able to estimate that Between 2016 and 2100, the risk of death from excessively hot nights would increase
nearly by six-fold. This prediction is much higher than the mortality risk from daily average warming suggested by climate change models.
The researchers said stronger mitigation strategies, including global collaborations, should be considered to reduce future impacts of warming.
Ref - Cheng He, Ho Kim, et al, The effects of night-time warming on mortality burden under future climate change scenarios: a modeling study, The lancet planetary health, Aug 2022
Doi -https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(22)00139-5
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.