
A new study links tropical deforestation to ~28,000 heat-related deaths each year. Local warming from forest loss now accounts for over a third of climate heat mortality in affected regions. | AI News Digest
A recent study reveals that tropical deforestation is linked to approximately 28,000 heat-related deaths annually, significantly impacting human health. The research indicates that local warming from forest loss accounts for over one-third of climate heat mortality in affected regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Between 2001 and 2020, deforestation exposed 345 million people to increased temperatures, with Southeast Asia experiencing the highest mortality rates. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable forest management to mitigate health risks associated with climate change. This study highlights the critical intersection of environmental degradation and public health, emphasizing the importance of addressing deforestation in climate policies.