New research shows heat-related mortality has increased across nearly all US regions (1981–2022), with the number of extreme heat days driving the trend. | AI News Digest
Recent research indicates a significant rise in heat-related mortality across nearly all U.S. regions from 1981 to 2022, primarily driven by an increase in extreme heat days. This trend highlights the growing public health threat posed by extreme heat events (EHEs), which now surpass fatalities from hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. The study reveals that the Southwest and Southeast regions are experiencing the most pronounced increases in heat-related deaths, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to address community vulnerabilities. The findings emphasize the importance of considering both environmental factors and social vulnerabilities in future heat mortality models. As extreme heat events continue to escalate, understanding their impacts on health is crucial for developing effective public health strategies.
