Filenews 15 May 2024 - by Evangelina Sizopoulou
Extremely worrying are the latest data arising from climate change and expected to significantly affect the Mediterranean, which has been declared as one of the hot spots of this climate crisis.
This is because it is located on the border of the temperate and dry climate zone, with the increase in the average temperature in the region exceeding the global average and frequent extreme temperatures, floods and forest fires, affecting both mortality and morbidity of the population.
These were pointed out by Professor of the Medical School of the University of Cyprus, Dr. Panagiotis Yiallouros, coordinator of the new research project from the HORIZON EUROPE program that has been won by the University of Cyprus with a total budget of €6.5 million.
Specifically, Dr. Yiallouros said that the data that emerge and sound the alarm show that:
Excess deaths and hospitalisations attributed to extreme temperatures across Europe are highest in southern Europe and exacerbated by higher air pollution, especially among older adults and socially weaker sub-populations.
Heat waves in the Mediterranean region are projected to increase dramatically by the end of the 21st century, increasing the fraction of heat-related deaths in the region.
– Exposure to heat causes a wide range of adverse health effects, such as mental stress, heat stress, dehydration, sleep disturbances, hypertension, especially among vulnerable population groups such as outdoor workers, pregnant women and the elderly, despite recommendations and response plans developed to prevent these effects.
– Vector-borne diseases account for 17% of all infectious diseases and are directly affected by external factors and climate change and beyond.
Climate change threatens healthcare systems by increasing demand, disrupting infrastructure, increasing costs and jeopardising the provision of high-quality healthcare.
Regarding the research project ISMED-CLIM ('Innovative Solutions across the Mediterranean for mitigation of Climate change-related health risks and enhancing health system resilience), which aims to develop innovative solutions to address risks posed by climate change for the health of vulnerable population groups and national health systems, it will involve and mobilize regional policy makers, social actors and citizens, in implementing mitigation solutions.
In addition, it will assess and enhance the effectiveness of a set of interventions to reduce extreme climate exposures and related health impacts of vulnerable population groups. It involves 27 organisations from seven countries, is expected to start next November and last four years.
