The report found that heat-related deaths in the United States surged 117% between 1999 and 2023. Such deaths are preventable and have been declining. The study may be the first such shift in the U.S. since 2016, the authors wrote.
Authorities need to take appropriate security measures
In a warming world, keeping people safe as temperatures soar becomes more difficult. Heat waves are more frequent and more intense than before. The document warns that authorities need to take appropriate safety measures to prevent further deaths in the future.
“Temperatures continue to rise due to climate change and recent upward trends are likely to continue,” the report states. “Local authorities in high-risk areas should consider investing in expanded hydration centers and the use of public cooling centers or other air-conditioned buildings. scope.”
The study was based on death data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 1999 and 2023.
The age-adjusted mortality rate began to rise significantly in 2016 and has increased by 16.8% per year since then. In comparison, between 1999 and 2016, the number of annual deaths fell slightly by 1.4%. 2023 also happens to be the hottest year on Earth’s history.
We know that heat kills far more people each year than from hurricanes, tornadoes or other weather-related disasters. However, official data can easily miss heat-related deaths, and authorities may not have the resources to investigate. For example, heat exposure can increase the risk of heart disease or stroke, but this may not show up on a death certificate. Children’s bodies are less efficient at cooling, while older adults are more likely to have chronic health problems and are most at risk during periods of extreme or prolonged heat.
Policymakers and city planners across the United States are working to prevent these deaths and prepare for rising temperatures brought by climate change. Biden administration proposes federal heat protection for workers. Arizona, Miami and Los Angeles now have chief heat officers who coordinate responses to extreme heat. Simple measures like keeping people informed before heatwaves hit, ensuring residents have safe places to escape the heat, and designing cities to reduce heat buildup can help save lives.
