A new study published in Science Advances suggests that younger people under the age of 35 will bear the brunt of heat-related deaths as temperatures continue to rise due to the climate crisis. While older individuals are often considered more vulnerable to heatwaves, the research indicates that a 32% increase in deaths of people under 35 is expected this century if greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly reduced.
The study, based on mortality data from Mexico, reveals that younger people currently make up 75% of heat-related deaths, while cold-related deaths primarily affect those over 50. As the world warms, the balance is likely to shift towards more younger people succumbing to extreme heat, as evidenced by the data analyzed.
Factors contributing to the heightened risk for younger individuals include physiological differences, occupational hazards, and routine exposure to high temperatures. It is suggested that measures such as work breaks for those in hot environments and rescheduling outdoor activities to avoid extreme heat should be considered to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures on the youth population.
While more research is needed to fully understand this pattern and its potential implications in other countries, experts emphasize the importance of targeted interventions to protect younger people from the increasing risks posed by climate change. The findings highlight the urgent need for action to address the health impacts of extreme heat, particularly among the younger population.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com