Age and heat might be a deadly combination for the elderlyand those suffering from chronic diseases.

• 2023 has just begun and already we are experiencing much warmer weather. Those, who do not prefer winter might welcome this. However, should the summer be even hotter than it was in 2022, it might result in an increased mortality due to heat.

• Climate change means that Europe will see more frequent heat waves and is more likely to experience outbreaks of diseases (dengue, malaria…), according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). Hotter weather during the summer along with the increased vulnerability of citizens will potentially cause more deaths in Europe in the future. Heat is responsible for between 86% and 91% of fatalities associated with extreme weather and climate events in Europe.

• Especially the elderly tend to suffer from chronic diseases and in combination with temperature increase, this might have fatal consequence. In the year 2022, 15 000 people died due to heat in Europe. In addition, Europe is warming up twice as fast as the rest of the globe, which can cause additional 30-90 000 deaths per year. Between 2017 and 2021, the average temperature in Europe has increased by around 2°C (compared to the 19th century). Hopefully the land temperature in Europe will increase only up to 3.4°C and not as the most negative scenario projects by up to 8.5°C before the end of 21st century.

• In order to lower the possibility of the negative scenario, the European countries need to adapt national health policies and make their healthcare facilities more resistant to heat and outbreaks.

• More info https://www.politico.eu/.../aging-europe-not-ready.../