Experts delve into the intersection of climate change and healthcare, discussing weather and health-related data at RKI
In a recent networking meeting at the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, experts gathered to discuss the growing concern of how extreme weather conditions, particularly heat, are straining emergency rooms across Germany[1]. The event, titled "Health Research meets Weather Data," brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, and public health services to explore the effects of climate change on healthcare[2].
The project KlimaNOT, led by Dr. Kai Heimrath from the University Clinic Magdeburg and Prof. Dr. Felix Walcher, was the organizer of the meeting[1]. The event highlighted the importance of standardizing data sources and methods for comparable and practice-relevant research[3].
Heatwaves in Germany, which can reach temperatures close to 40°C, pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions[4]. Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and exacerbation of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases[4]. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of hospitalizations and fatalities, as physiological cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed[4].
Recent studies show that across Europe, heat-related deaths have tripled due to climate change, which has intensified heatwaves by up to 4°C[5][6]. While specific figures for Germany are not cited, the overall pattern suggests that excess mortality is rising as heatwaves become more frequent and severe[5][6]. The most vulnerable include older adults, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and socio-economically disadvantaged groups[5].
Ongoing droughts and "tropical nights" (where nighttime temperatures remain high) further reduce the population’s ability to recover, compounding health risks during prolonged heat episodes[4].
Germany’s meteorological service, the DWD, issues widespread heat advisories during high-risk periods[4]. Coordination with national meteorological and hydrological services is key, as highlighted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which supports countries in developing and deploying early warning systems to reduce health impacts[7]. These systems alert the public and authorities to impending extreme heat, allowing for timely interventions.
Authorities urge people to avoid direct sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm, stay hydrated, and seek cool environments[4]. Special attention is given to vulnerable groups, with community and health services mobilizing to check on the elderly and those with chronic conditions[4]. Long-term solutions include increasing green spaces, improving building insulation, and designing cities to reduce the urban heat island effect.
By 2050, up to half of Europe’s population, including in Germany, may face high or very high risk of heat stress during summer[7]. This underscores the need for robust, science-based early warning systems and comprehensive protection strategies to mitigate health risks and save lives[7].
The event provided significant impulses for further research and stronger networking of relevant actors. A central topic of discussion was which population groups are particularly at risk and how targeted protective measures can be developed[3]. The aim of the event was to strengthen interdisciplinary exchange and set new impulses for the linking of health and environmental data[3].
References:
1. [KlimaNOT](http://www.klima-not.de/) 2. [European Environment Agency](https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/climate-change-and-health-in-europe) 3. [Robert Koch Institute](https://www.rki.de/) 4. [German Weather Service](https://www.dwd.de/) 5. [World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/heat-health) 6. [European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control](https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/heat-health-surveillance-europe) 7. [World Meteorological Organization](https://public.wmo.int/en/our-mandate/climate/climate-risk-reduction)
- The experts at the "Health Research meets Weather Data" event emphasized the need for environmental science to investigate the implications of climate change on medical-conditions, particularly in relation to extreme weather conditions and health-and-wellness.
- Given the rising trend of heat-related deaths across Europe due to climate change, other researchers are urged to focus on the effects of climate change on healthcare, such as the increased risk of hospitalizations and fatalities during heatwaves.
- As part of the KlimaNOT project, the organizers are aiming to strengthen interdisciplinary exchange and set new impulses for the linking of health and environmental data, with a focus on identifying susceptible populations and developing targeted protective measures.
