Extreme Heat Claimed a Record Number of American Lives Last Year

As global temperatures rise, the incidence of heat-related deaths in the United States has surged, according to a recent study analyzing federally reported data from 1999 to 2023.

The year 2023 saw more heat-related fatalities than any other year in over two decades, as indicated by findings published in the American Medical Association journal JAMA on Monday. This follows the record-setting heat observed globally in 2022, marking yet another alarming milestone in the ongoing climate change crisis.

The study revealed that 2,325 people died due to heat in 2023, although researchers caution that this figure may be an underestimate. In considering the shifting demographics of the U.S. population, including growth and aging factors, the sheer number of deaths is still profoundly concerning.

Jeffrey Howard, the lead author and an associate professor of public health at the University of Texas at San Antonio, expressed that this research highlights a troubling trend: “The current trajectory that we’re on, in terms of warming and the change in the climate, is starting to actually show up in increased deaths,” he stated. “That’s something that we hadn’t had measured before.”

Howard and fellow researchers from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Maryland and Pennsylvania State University analyzed death certificates from 1999 to 2023. They considered any death where heat was listed as either an underlying or contributing cause.

For many years, heat-related deaths remained relatively steady until approximately 2016, when a noticeable increase began. Howard describes this upward trend as a “hockey stick,” a term typically used to illustrate the alarming rise in global temperatures attributed to climate change.

The research reveals that the rise in heat-related deaths is telling of the broader impact of climate issues. When adjusted for population size and age, the rate of heat-related fatalities shows a stark increase compared to figures from the early 2000s.

While the number of deaths is alarming, they are not uniformly distributed across the country. Howard noted that fatalities are concentrated in regions historically known for high temperatures, such as Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas.

The study acknowledges limitations in the manner local governments classify heat-related deaths, suggesting the actual toll could be higher. As awareness about the dangers of extreme heat grows, some instances may be underreported. Additionally, the study does not specify vulnerable groups, such as those without air conditioning, those who work outdoors, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, who are at a heightened risk of severe illnesses and deaths due to heat.

Heat is often referred to as the “silent killer.” Sameed Khatana, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and a cardiologist at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, highlights the increasing awareness among officials regarding heat fatalities. “I think there is growing understanding of some of these subtleties that have been pointed out in research over the past several decades,” he remarked.

Experts like Khatana have previously advocated for improvements in how heat-related deaths are reported. According to Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability, inconsistency in attributing heat as a contributing factor in death certificates exists across various counties. “There needs to be guidance and standards developed for how we determine heat is a contributor,” she stated.

In light of the findings, researchers are urging local governments to consider enhancing community access to hydration stations and public cooling centers, and to ensure that buildings equipped with air conditioning are readily available.

As 2024 progresses, the oppressive summer heat continues to pose challenges. While it remains uncertain how the death toll this year compares, numerous regions have recently experienced intense heat waves.

In Phoenix, for example, an unprecedented number of consecutive days saw temperatures exceed 100 degrees, breaking previous records. Meteorologist Mark O’Malley from the National Weather Service noted that Sunday marked the 91st consecutive day of such extreme heat.

Additionally, July 2023 was recorded as the warmest July in history for California and New Hampshire, with many other states experiencing temperatures among the hottest on record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that globally, three consecutive days in late July became the hottest ever recorded.

With current predictions, NOAA estimates a 77% likelihood that this year could become the warmest on record.

Commenting on the overall trend, Howard concluded, “On the whole, it seems that things are getting worse and not better.”

Source: USA TODAY