Health risks of extreme heat

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Record breaking heat events, once rare, are now common.1 An extra 475 million exposures to heatwaves (that is, one person experiencing three days or more of extreme heat) were observed globally in 2019 compared with 1986-2005.2 Clear evidence links the intensity and frequency of heat extremes to human induced global warming, which also increases the probability of compound events such as concurrent heatwaves and droughts.3 The implications are serious: extreme heat has a substantial impact on all 17 UN sustainable development goals—including zero hunger, good health and wellbeing for all, climate action, and reduced inequalities4—directly affecting both people and the planet.5

Important physiological changes occur in response to high temperatures, and these are amplified by humidity. For example, blood flow is redistributed to the skin, sweating increases,6 and adjustments occur to the circulatory (such as vasodilation), nervous (autonomic activation), and respiratory systems (in response to increased oxygen demand) to maintain optimal body temperature; changes also occur in the renal system to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and organ perfusion.7

Exceeding thermoregulatory adaptations leads to overheating with various adverse health consequences, including cardiopulmonary problems in high risk groups (older adults, young children, people with chronic conditions, athletes, and outdoor workers8) and increased cardiovascular mortality.9 Severe heat disrupts sleep, impairs cognitive performance, and is associated with increased risk of suicide or hospital admission for mental illness.10

The Global Burden of Disease study estimated that about 20% of all deaths attributable to extreme heat and cold in 2019 (356 000/1.7 million) were caused by high temperatures.11 This does not account for indirect effects such as crop failure leading to hunger or reduction in national gross domestic product (GDP) because of potential lost labour capacity—India and Indonesia are estimated to have lost 4-6% of GDP in 2019.2 Critically, although direct causes of death such as stroke or cardiomyopathy had a J-shaped relation with temperature in this study (increased risk at both extremes), the risk of external causes of death such as homicide or suicide rose monotonically as temperatures increased.11 If current trends continue, heat thresholds for maintaining health are likely to be exceeded far more often,3 resulting in further heat related morbidity and mortality.7

Healthcare systems globally must adapt to increased healthcare demand in a warming world. Those already contending with seasonal fluctuations—such as “winter pressures” in colder western countries—are now faced with severe heat emerging as new “summer pressures.”12 Healthcare systems in hotter low and middle income countries will fare even worse as already overstretched services fail to cope with increased demand.13

Heat related vulnerabilities are exacerbated by chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and hypertension and by behaviours such as alcohol consumption, misuse of illegal substances, and inadequate fluid intake.7 All are exacerbated by social and economic inequality. Long term population-based interventions targeting the modifiable risk factors underlying these conditions and behaviours could therefore reduce the negative health effects of extreme heat and should be prioritised.14 Implementing prevention strategies linked to lifestyle changes (in diet or physical activity, for example) is likely to be more cost effective than managing acute healthcare needs linked to extreme heat. A policy focus on prevention would increase health system resilience by improving population health and reducing demand for healthcare.14 In addition, broader and more holistic adaptation is required. Examples include heat-health action plans coordinated across government departments and implemented with clear communication strategies, real time surveillance, and local and national evaluation15; introducing natural cooling solutions to urban built environments such as increasing use of tree cover, water bodies, and reflective surfaces that mitigate heat exposure in cities3; and promoting cooling behavioural strategies such as changing dress codes and times of work.16 Importantly, these low energy solutions help reduce health risks without worsening climate change. In contrast, energy intensive air conditioning, likely to be the world’s primary heat reduction strategy, exacerbates global warming and drives further extreme heat events,5 while remaining unaffordable for the estimated two to five billion people who will be exposed to heat stress by 2050.17 Ensuring equitable solutions to the health harms of extreme heat is crucial, particularly in low income countries in southern Asia and Africa, where climate effects are likely to be most devastating and where mitigation options are limited and often unsustainable.18 Even high income countries can expect an unequal distribution of heat related harm, driven by existing socioeconomic inequality.19 Equitable responses to severe heat include measures such as prioritising populations at greatest risk for early intervention, including by appointing local “heat officers” in urban centres.20 Professionals in healthcare, public health, and social care must come together to ensure that we place vulnerable populations, communities, and individuals at the heart of our collective efforts in planetary stewardship.