By Trend News Line 2024-06-19 16:25:00.
**Study Reveals Health Risks of Extreme Heat in Canadian Cities**
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As temperatures soar across North America, a recent study conducted by Statistics Canada has uncovered the alarming health risks associated with exposure to extreme heat in major Canadian cities. The study, released on Wednesday, highlighted a higher-than-average risk of death during periods of extreme heat events over the past two decades.
**Rising Death Rates During Extreme Heat Events**
According to the study’s author, Matthew Quick, there was a noticeable increase in mortality rates during days classified as extreme heat events compared to regular days. Between 2000 and 2020, approximately 670 more deaths occurred than expected in Canada’s 12 largest cities during prolonged periods of extreme heat. These extreme heat events, as defined by Environment and Climate Change Canada, varied in intensity across different regions.
**Impact on Vulnerable Populations**
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The study revealed that the rise in mortality rates was predominantly among individuals aged 65 and over. Furthermore, cities with fewer occurrences of extreme heat events experienced a sharper spike in deaths during heatwaves. Quick suggested that this trend could be attributed to factors such as acclimatization and access to adaptation measures.
**Renters at Greater Risk**
Interestingly, the study also found higher mortality rates during heat waves in cities with a higher proportion of renters. Quick pointed out that renters are less likely to have access to air conditioning compared to homeowners, which could explain the increased risk of heat-related deaths among this demographic.
**Lessons from British Columbia’s Heat Dome**
A recent report on the week-long heat dome that engulfed British Columbia in 2021 shed light on the devastating impact of prolonged heat waves. The report identified elderly individuals, those with disabilities, residents of low-income neighbourhoods, and individuals living alone as the most vulnerable to heat-related deaths. During that fateful week, over 600 deaths were attributed to the extreme heat.
**Expert Insights and Recommendations**
Dr. Matthew Bennett, a cardiologist in Vancouver, emphasized the importance of having a plan to stay cool during prolonged periods of heat. He highlighted the strain that the health system faced during the heatwave in British Columbia and urged individuals to check in on at-risk family members and friends.
**Growing Concerns Over Extreme Heat**
The study’s findings come at a time when millions of individuals in parts of Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and the United States are under heat warnings. With heat waves becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, experts are urging the public to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat.
**Forecast for the Future**
Environment and Climate Change Canada has forecasted above-normal temperatures for most of Canada this summer, following the hottest year on record in 2023. As the effects of climate change continue to manifest, it is crucial for individuals and communities to prepare for the challenges posed by extreme heat events..
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