Impact of increased ambient temperatures due to climate change in human health: evidence from four European countries

A rise in urban overheating due to the increased ambient temperatures has occurred during the last decades. Cooling Degree Days at the European Union level were increased by 173.9% from 1979 to 2021. Heatwaves, Urban Heat Islands and extreme weather conditions became significant risks for cities, especially for vulnerable citizens, as they lead to respiratory problems and increased mortality. This article studies the consequences of increased ambient temperatures on human health and living conditions in the context of climate change using statistical analysis, based on Eurostat data. It assesses the impact of overheating on mortality rates in the regions of four European countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, and France) from 2014 onwards and examines which of these regions were mostly affected through their correlation coefficients. By identifying the climatic and geospatial characteristics that make a region more vulnerable to overheating, policy planning could be more targeted and effective. Results showed strong correlations between mortality and overheating in many cases, and sometimes, the coefficient was higher than 80%.
Regarding characteristics that enhance a region’s vulnerability, there are the distance from the sea, the continental climate, the increased energy poverty levels, and the urbanization degree. Finally, it is important to note that deaths due to the exceptional event of COVID-19 taking place after 2020 significantly affected the result patterns. This analysis was essential to highlight the zones that could be less resilient in the future, so that the stakeholders can adopt the appropriate measures that will emphasize on them.