Experts predict that global warming will lead to a record number of deaths. However, concern shouldn’t be limited to the youngest and oldest members of our planet.
A research team from Columbia University, Stanford University, Boston University, and Montana State University has found that between 1998 and 2019, the majority of heat-related deaths in Mexico occurred among individuals aged 18 to 34. This is surprising, as this age group is theoretically better equipped to handle extreme climate conditions.
It’s important to note that the team focused specifically on Mexico because the country has high-quality data on heat-related deaths and the most extreme impacts of humid heat.
The findings contradict previous studies that indicated older adults were the most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. While older individuals are physiologically more susceptible to abnormal heat, the new conclusions suggest that young people may ultimately be more at risk.
What Did the Scientists Report?
“This is a real surprise. We’re talking about the physiologically strongest individuals,” said Jeffrey Schrader, a researcher at Columbia University’s Climate School.
From 1998 to 2019, Mexico recorded approximately 3,300 heat-related deaths annually, with one-third of these deaths occurring among people aged 18 to 34.
The researchers are not entirely sure why this is happening. However, it’s possible that young people are more likely to die from heat than older adults due to various behavioral, social, and economic factors.
For instance, younger individuals are more likely to participate in outdoor activities and often work outside even during extreme heat.
The scientists calculated the years of life lost due to premature heat-related deaths. They found that individuals under 35 accounted for 87 percent of the years of life lost due to high temperatures.
Interestingly, previous studies of deaths in Mexico indicated that men of working age were the most likely to die from abnormal weather conditions.
What Are the Predictions Regarding the Deadly Threat of Global Warming?
People over the age of 50 are generally considered the most vulnerable to issues caused by high humidity and heat, as older bodies struggle to cool down quickly. However, this new research also revealed that cold weather poses a significant threat to older individuals. Yet, in the future, colder days are expected to become less frequent, according to Science Alert.
By 2100, it is anticipated that cold weather-related mortality will decrease by about one-third among individuals who have reached at least middle age.
Meanwhile, the outlook for young people is quite grim. Researchers predict that under a high greenhouse gas emissions climate change scenario, heat-related mortality among those under 35 could increase by 32 percent by 2100.
The team is currently investigating whether young people in other parts of the world are similarly affected by extreme heat waves.
The findings of this study were published in the journal Science Advances.