Expect 10-Fold Increase In Heat Deaths By 2060 From 2000 In Eastern US

[hatrack]

Heat waves will kill about 10 times more people in the Eastern United States in 45 years than they did at the turn of this century, according to a new projection from researchers.

The study builds on previous research that predicts as climate change spurs more frequent heat waves, there will be more heat-related deaths. It is the first study to project future heat wave deaths across an entire region.

"Estimates suggest that mortality risks from future heat waves may be an order of magnitude higher than in 2002-2004,” says the study, which was published online this week in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

The researchers used two climate change projections for the Eastern third of the United States. Both assume that emissions will increase, but at different rates. One scenario projects “low-medium” greenhouse gas emissions and one projects a “more extreme” scenario, similar to today’s rate. Under the “low-medium” scenario, heat wave-related deaths would increase by 1,403 per year compared with 3,556 under the more dire projection, according to the study.

EDIT

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/2013/11/heat-wave-mortality-in-eastern-us/

[pscot]

1. And within 10 years for the tropics

[indie9197]

2. That may be true but all heat related deaths are preventable.

Examples - infants being left in cars, elderly/infirm people without A/C, playing football in 100 degree weather, occupational, etc. There needs to be added awareness to all at risk.