Brussels, 15/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on the European Union and the countries of Europe to move quickly to take measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on health in Europe. The issue was at the centre of discussions at a meeting in Brussels on Monday 7 April between representatives of the European Commission and the Slovenian Presidency. If the necessary measures are taken swiftly, it is still possible that a return to the health situation obtaining in the XIX century can be avoided.
There is most talk of the increase in the frequency and intensity of heat-waves. It is estimated that mortality increases by 1-4% for every one degree increase in temperature. Over 70,000 more deaths were reported in 12 European countries after the summer 2003 heat-wave. A global mean temperature increase of 3° would mean 86,000 additional deaths every year in the EU between 2071 and 2100. It is the elderly who are most at risk of death from heatstroke and cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and metabolic disorders. Preventative measures (reducing exposure to heat, early warning systems, advice and assistance to older people) can be put in place to reduce the impact of temperature increases.
Cold waves and cold winters remain a source of concern in Europe and Central Asia, bringing with them a 5-30% increase in winter mortality. The use of fossil fuels is linked to the deaths of 13,000 children in the WHO European region annually. The WHO believes that mortality will increase among the poorest households as a result of the cold, or defective heating systems. These same households - particularly in the Mediterranean area, South-eastern Europe and Central Asia - will experience a worsening of malnutrition. The increase in temperatures will also favour the growth of bacteria in food. Salmonella infection rises by 5-10% for every one degree increase in weekly temperature at ambient temperatures of over 5°.
The appearance of the chikungunya virus in Italy in 2007 was not an epiphenomenon, but the forerunner of a return of bushy creek fever, malaria, which has already been reported in six countries (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan). Monitoring of wet areas and enhancing early warning systems and treatment should curb the progress of malaria in Europe. However, Lyme's disease, which is carried by deer ticks, is spreading further and further and Leishmaniasis is also travelling northwards.
Water shortages could affect between 16 and 44 million more people in Southern Europe and Central Asia by 2080. Even where there is sufficient water, the quality may not be satisfactory; 13,000 children die every year from diarrhoea-related illnesses in Central Asia. Air pollution is also increasing, with ozone and particulate matter the greatest pollutants. Ozone causes 20,000 premature deaths every year in the EU. Particulate matter pollution shortens life expectancy by over 8 months on average in Europe. (O.J.)