At the time of writing this article, we learnt that Mater Dei's emergency department faced a crisis after a week-long heatwave in Malta, resulting in at least 15 deaths due to heat-related illnesses. The hospital was overwhelmed with patients, and nurses from other departments, including St Luke's Hospital, were called in to assist.
The influx of patients was well above normal, leading to chaos in the emergency waiting room and corridors. Most of the patients were elderly and frail, suffering from heat exhaustion, extreme dehydration and breathing complications. The ambulance service also experienced delays due to increased call-outs. Saint James Hospital also saw an influx of patients frustrated with the long wait at Mater Dei. The Health Ministry expressed gratitude to the hardworking staff despite the spike in demand.
Understanding the dire consequences of heatwaves on mortality rates
The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, due to climate change, have raised concerns about their impact on human health. IPCC projects a worrisome future, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and severe in many parts of the world. As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels, it is crucial to understand the dire consequences these heatwaves can have on mortality rates.
Heatwaves pose a significant threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Medics say that the physiological strain caused by prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to various health complications, including heat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke. These conditions can rapidly escalate and result in fatalities if not addressed promptly.
Two local studies conducted by a team of local and foreign experts, (2022a & b) have shown a clear correlation between heatwave events and an increase in mortality rates. Heatwave-related deaths are not only attributed directly to the physiological effects of extreme temperatures but also indirectly through exacerbating existing health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and respiratory illnesses.
As we delve deeper into understanding the implications of climate change on our planet's health, it becomes evident that mitigating the effects of heatwaves is crucial for safeguarding our community. By implementing effective adaptation strategies such as improved early warning systems, and targeted interventions for vulnerable people during extreme weather events, we can strive towards reducing the devastating consequences that heatwaves impose on mortality rates.
The vulnerability of infants and the elderly to heatwaves: a looming crisis
According to the World Meteorological Organisation, globally, July is set to be the hottest month on record. In Malta the vulnerability of infants and the elderly to heatwaves is a growing concern that demands immediate attention. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, these vulnerable members of our community are at a higher risk of experiencing severe health impacts during heatwaves.
Infants, with their underdeveloped thermoregulatory systems, struggle to regulate their body temperature effectively. They are more prone to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke. The elderly, on the other hand, often have pre-existing health conditions that make them less able to cope with extreme heat. Their bodies may not be able to cool down efficiently, leading to serious health complications.
It is crucial that we address this looming crisis by implementing measures to protect these vulnerable populations during heatwaves. This includes providing access to air-conditioning or cooling centres, educating caregivers on how to prevent heat-related illnesses in infants and the elderly and ensuring adequate medical support is available during extreme weather events.
Time is of the essence as we face an uncertain future with more frequent and intense heatwaves. We must act now to safeguard the lives of our most vulnerable community members from the devastating impacts of rising temperatures.
The economic toll of heatwaves: why investment in adaptation measures is crucial
In Malta, we have read about the economic toll on individuals and businesses alike resulting from the latest heatwave. The Malta Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of SMEs stated that the recent nation-wide power cuts have led to significant financial losses for businesses, not to mention disruptions in essential services. Moreover, this heatwave has seriously damaged our power distribution infrastructure. Interestingly, studies show that the failure rate of such power transmission lines has been estimated to increase to 200% for every 1oC rise in temperature. Today we are appreciating more how the economic impact of heatwaves can be far-reaching, with consequences ranging from increased healthcare costs to damage to our infrastructure.
Studies on the local rate of increase of heatwaves occurrences are ongoing by Charles Galdies. Preliminary results show that since 1980 the number of days contributing to heatwave events has increased almost tenfold.
It is clear that long-term investment in climate resilience and adaptation measures is crucial to mitigate these economic impacts. By implementing right strategies such as improving our infrastructure, provide effective shading and cooling, making use of lush green and easily accessible areas and promoting energy efficiency, we can better withstand the challenges posed by heatwaves.
The urgency for investment in climate resilience cannot be overstated. During the past week we have seen how management by crises is wrong because it is reactive, chaotic and unsustainable. It leads to short-term fixes, neglecting long-term planning because instead of addressing root causes, it perpetuates a cycle of constant emergencies.
Avoiding crises through effective management is crucial in addressing the impact of climate change. In the case of comprehensive heatwave preparedness plans, proactive measures, like creating a resilient infrastructure against extreme heatwaves, having an improved early warning systems and emergency preparedness strategies, promote public awareness and education about climate change fosters responsible individual actions. These plans need to address not only the immediate impacts of heatwaves but also the long-term consequences they can have on public health, infrastructure and ecosystems.
Without proactive measures in place, we risk not only further economic strain but also a diminished quality of life for everyone. It is imperative that we prioritise adaptation efforts now to safeguard our economy and ensure a sustainable future for Malta. Failure to take immediate action could lead to severe consequences such as increased mortality rates, strain on our healthcare system and damage to critical infrastructure. The urgency cannot be overstated; it is imperative that the authorities implement effective adaptation measures and mitigate the risks posed by heatwaves.
Guarding vulnerable communities: the perils of extreme heat and utility bills
Amid recurrent heatwaves, struggling individuals and families face the unbearable burden of increasing cooling costs, making them question whether they can afford to stay safe in their own home. This heart-wrenching scenario underscores the urgent need for action on climate change and its dire impacts on ordinary lives.
The issue is not just about discomfort; it is about basic human survival. As global temperatures soar, low-income households face the brunt of climate change, forced to make hard choices between cooling their homes and putting food on the table, and this at a time when locally, fiscal costs of energy subsidies are for now well above the median for European countries.
While the wealthy may have the means to endure (or escape) extreme heat conditions with ease, disadvantaged individuals and families suffer disproportionately, with their very livelihoods at stake. This is a stark reminder that climate change is not just an environmental crisis; it is an ethical and humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention. This is why targeted support systems are considered as crucial to ensure that vulnerable households receive the necessary assistance to cope with rising utility costs.
The role of the public health authority in addressing heatwave risks
Public health authorities play a crucial role in promoting community resilience initiatives for heatwave risks. These initiatives aim to empower communities with the knowledge and resources needed to cope with extreme heat events. By providing education on heat-related illnesses, distributing cooling centres and organising outreach programmes, public health authorities can help communities become better equipped and informed.
Furthermore, a better management system within the public health sector is essential for addressing heatwave risks. We think that there needs to be a paradigm shift in the way public health officials do things. It is simply wrong to assume people will change their behaviour; authorities must ensure that the mechanisms to cater with inevitable surges in hospital admissions under significant infrastructural duress (including power cuts and lack of human resources) are well in place.
This includes developing robust health warning systems that can effectively communicate the potential dangers associated with extreme heat. By disseminating timely, effective warnings and advisories, our public health authority can help citizens take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses.
Local experts are becoming increasingly concerned about the capacity of our public health authority to effectively address these challenges. Limited resources, insufficient funding, lack of training and outdated information infrastructure hinder their ability to respond adequately to heatwave risks. Urgent action is needed nationally to provide the necessary support and resources to our public health authority. It is essential that it receives adequate support and resources to fulfill its responsibilities effectively amid an increasingly challenging climate scenario.
Leveraging sustainable finance: utilising its instruments and toolkit
Climate change adaptation related to health necessitates sustainable financing to effectively address the emerging challenges. We are seeing how climate change impacts are exacerbating health risks, and therefore adequate funding becomes crucial to implement robust public health strategies.
Sustainable finance plays a crucial role in both climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Climate adaptation refers to measures taken to adjust to the changing climate conditions and reduce vulnerability to its impacts. Sustainable finance supports climate adaptation in several ways such as funding the building of climate-resilient infrastructure through green bonds and public-private partnerships that can mobilise resources for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, strengthening its capacity to handle crises, enhancing disease surveillance, bolster emergency response and preparedness and promoting community resilience. By aligning financial mechanisms with long-term climate adaptation goals, we can safeguard public health and build a sustainable future in the face of a changing climate.
Acting on climate mitigation and adaptation in tandem becomes essential to effectively and holistically address the challenges posed by a changing climate and its complex interconnectedness.
The government plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable finance for climate adaptation and mitigation. As the primary policymaker and regulator, the government has the power to create an enabling environment and implement measures that encourage and facilitate sustainable finance initiatives. The government can establish clear and supportive policies and regulations that incentivise sustainable finance practices. These may include setting targets for climate adaptation and mitigation and providing tax incentives for green investments.
Governments can create dedicated sustainable finance initiatives, such as green and blue bonds, social bonds, sustainable bonds and sustainability-linked bonds. By actively engaging in this role, the government can create a supportive ecosystem for sustainable finance and drive increased investments in climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
Taking immediate steps towards climate resilience to protect lives from heatwave-related mortality
It is crucial to act fast and take immediate steps towards climate resilience in order to protect lives from heatwave-related mortality. There is no time to lose as the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe.
It is imperative that authorities and decision-makers realize that this crisis can be solved not only through mitigation efforts, but also by implementing the right adaptation measures. This includes investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme heat events, implementing early warning systems and providing adequate resources for public health interventions.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant threat to human health and wellbeing. Failure to address this health risk promptly could result in devastating consequences.
Prof. Charles Galdies is a Climate scientist, Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta
Gabriella Borda is a Climate Finance & Sustainability Services, ClimateDelta.eu