Climate change increases global heat-related deaths

8 min read

Extreme heat is a growing global health hazard that is becoming more frequent, intense and longer because of climate change, and it already causes large numbers of deaths and illnesses. Studies estimate about 489,000 heat-related deaths per year from 2000–2019, with 45% in Asia and 36% in Europe, and heat-related mortality for people over 65 rose about 85% between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021. Single heatwaves have produced tens of thousands of excess deaths, stress health services, reduce worker productivity, and exacerbate chronic conditions, but public health guidance and heat action plans can reduce these harms.

Heat-related mortality and exposures are rising globally.