Heatwaves pose a serious threat to human health in Germany, with rising temperatures leading to thousands of heat-related deaths in recent years. According to climate projections by the German Weather Service, the average temperature in Germany could increase by one degree Celsius as early as 2028. A study published in the Ärzteblatt by researchers from the Robert Koch Institute, the Federal Environment Agency, and the German Weather Service reveals that even current temperatures are a significant threat to people in Germany. The study found that there were thousands of heat-related deaths in Germany in 2018, 2019, and 2020, making it the first three consecutive years of excess mortality due to heatwaves since 1992.
The study also shows that while there has been a slight decrease in the impact of high temperatures on mortality over the past three decades, heatwaves remain a significant threat to human health. High temperatures put a strain on the cardiovascular system and exacerbate existing conditions such as respiratory illnesses. A recent study by Pennsylvania State University found that human heat tolerance is lower than previously thought, suggesting that climate change will lead to more health problems in the coming years.
The researchers used statistical methods to estimate the number of heat-related deaths in Germany, as heat is rarely recorded as a direct cause of death. The study used data from the Federal Statistical Office on total mortality from 1992 to 2021, population statistics from 1992 to 2020, and temperature data from the German Weather Service. The strongest effect of heatwaves was observed in 2018, the second-warmest summer on record since 1881, with an estimated 8,700 heat-related deaths. In 2019, 6,900 people died due to high temperatures, and in 2020, the number was 3,700.
While there has been some adaptation to high temperatures, such as changes in behavior and increased awareness of the risks, the study shows that heatwaves remain a serious threat to human health in Germany. The years 2018 to 2022 demonstrate that “heat events continue to be a significant threat to the health of people in Germany.” As temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial to take action to mitigate the impact of heatwaves on human health.
