Research indicates projected increase in heat-related deaths in the U.S. by mid-century
A recent study anticipates a substantial rise in deaths associated with extreme temperatures in the United States by the middle of the 21st century, highlighting that certain populations will experience a disproportionately high impact.
TroibNews 
A recent study predicts a significant rise in temperature-related fatalities in the United States by the middle of the 21st century, with certain groups expected to experience greater impacts.
Published on the Journal of the American Medical Association's website last Friday, the research indicates that approximately 8,250 annual deaths currently stem from extreme heat and cold.
According to researchers, deaths due to extreme temperatures in the lower 48 states could increase to more than double or triple between 2036 and 2065, depending on the levels of future greenhouse gas emissions.
In a scenario of lower emissions, annual deaths could climb to above 19,300 by the middle of the century. Conversely, a scenario of higher emissions could see this number rise to nearly 26,600.
"Despite a decrease in extreme cold-related deaths, overall extreme temperature-related deaths were projected to more than double or triple depending on the emissions increase scenario analyzed," noted the authors of the study.
The research highlights that certain demographics are more vulnerable, with Hispanic adults potentially facing a 537.5 percent increase in deaths due to extreme temperatures, and African American adults experiencing a 278.2 percent rise compared to non-Hispanic white adults.
Additionally, the study points out that older individuals and residents of metropolitan areas may see higher increases in death rates from extreme temperatures, which could be linked to issues such as the urban heat island effect.
Factors contributing to this disparity include less access to air conditioning, more pronounced urban heat island effects, less exposure to green spaces, and higher exposure to traffic-related air pollution in neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by racial and ethnic minorities.
"Along with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, efforts to mitigate the adverse outcomes of extreme temperatures for population health are needed," the authors emphasized.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
Published on the Journal of the American Medical Association's website last Friday, the research indicates that approximately 8,250 annual deaths currently stem from extreme heat and cold.
According to researchers, deaths due to extreme temperatures in the lower 48 states could increase to more than double or triple between 2036 and 2065, depending on the levels of future greenhouse gas emissions.
In a scenario of lower emissions, annual deaths could climb to above 19,300 by the middle of the century. Conversely, a scenario of higher emissions could see this number rise to nearly 26,600.
"Despite a decrease in extreme cold-related deaths, overall extreme temperature-related deaths were projected to more than double or triple depending on the emissions increase scenario analyzed," noted the authors of the study.
The research highlights that certain demographics are more vulnerable, with Hispanic adults potentially facing a 537.5 percent increase in deaths due to extreme temperatures, and African American adults experiencing a 278.2 percent rise compared to non-Hispanic white adults.
Additionally, the study points out that older individuals and residents of metropolitan areas may see higher increases in death rates from extreme temperatures, which could be linked to issues such as the urban heat island effect.
Factors contributing to this disparity include less access to air conditioning, more pronounced urban heat island effects, less exposure to green spaces, and higher exposure to traffic-related air pollution in neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by racial and ethnic minorities.
"Along with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, efforts to mitigate the adverse outcomes of extreme temperatures for population health are needed," the authors emphasized.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
