A study by researchers says weather disasters could kill more than 150,000 people a year by 2100
ADVERTISEMENTAs swathes of southern and eastern Europe sizzle in a heatwave, scientists have issued a stark warning: extreme weather could kill more than 150,000 people a year on the continent by the start of the next century if nothing is done to curb the effects of climate change.
That is a 50-fold increase in the number of deaths from weather disasters compared to today.
A study in The Lancet Planetary Health journal says that two in three Europeans are likely to be affected if greenhouse gas emissions and extreme weather events are not controlled.
Extreme weather events may effect two in three Europeans every year by 2100. Read it on the Lancet Planetary Health @TheLancetPlanetpic.twitter.com/BkFlCxR3Q9
— Lancet Planetary H (@TheLancetPlanet) 5 août 2017
Deaths due to extreme weather in Europe could rocket if global warming is not reined in, researchers warn https://t.co/WxXImAAbRMpic.twitter.com/nfdWbkautZ
— AFP news agency (@AFP) 5 août 2017
This year has seen its share of disasters including summer wildfires that left dozens dead in Portugal. The findings suggest that heat waves will account for nearly all the additional deaths.
After devastating floods in November, Italy is one of the countries hardest hit by the current hot spell, which has claimed several lives.
Perceived heat hits 55 degrees (2) - Air Force says Sardinia, Puglia sizzling too https://t.co/lFRGPZU92M
— Ansa English News (@ansa_english) 4 août 2017
A long hot summer is something many look forward to in Europe.
These forecasts suggest that while enjoying the sunshine will never go out of fashion, danger lies ahead.
with Reuters