Heatwaves
Heatwaves in Spain are no longer exceptional events, but a recurring reality that impacts public health. According to data from the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the frequency and intensity of these episodes have increased significantly in recent decades.
Direct Impact of Heat on Health
Extreme heat can cause a range of health problems, from mild to life-threatening:
- Heatstroke: A serious condition that occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature.
- Dehydration Especially dangerous for older people and children.
- Heat exhaustion: Can cause dizziness, nausea and fainting.
Risk groups
Certain sectors of the public are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat:
- People over 65 years of age
- Children under 5 years of age
- People with chronic diseases
- Outdoor professionals
The growing problem of respiratory diseases
Climate change not only brings higher temperatures, but also changes in pollen and air pollution patterns, exacerbating lung diseases.
Allergy and Asthma
The rise in temperatures is prolonging the pollen season in Spain, which leads to:
- Longer duration and intensity of allergy symptoms.
- Increase in asthma cases and their severity.
- Changes in vegetation caused by the lack of rainfall, which foments the appearance of new allergies.
Air Pollution and Respiratory Health
Extreme heat interacts with air pollution, which has a detrimental effect on lung health.
This combination leads to an increase in ozone levels in the atmospheric layer closest to the Earth's surface and a higher concentration of fine particles in the air, known as PM10, which have the ability to penetrate the lungs.
These irritate and inflame the airways, leading to an increase in cases of bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Cardiovascular diseases: the heart under pressure
The cardiovascular system is particularly affected by high temperatures, which is reflected in an increase in cardiac emergencies during heatwaves.
Heat stress and the heart
Extreme heat puts additional pressure on the circulatory system, causing an increase in heart rate, dilation of blood vessels and, consequently, an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Dehydration and heart problems
In addition, excessive sweating causes a loss of fluids that can have serious consequences for the heart. This results in an increase in blood viscosity, which increases the risk of blood clots. In addition, vasodilation slows down the circulation, which can overload the cardiovascular system.
Impact on Mental Health
As well as affecting physical health, climate change also affects mental health. Extreme weather events and climate anxiety have a significant impact on people's psychological well-being.
Post-traumatic stress and eco-anxiety
Heatwaves are linked to increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression and can disrupt sleep patterns. Extreme weather events, such as floods or forest fires, can also cause post-traumatic stress disorder.
Furthermore, concern about the future of the planet, called eco-anxiety, has consequences on the mental health of children and young people and is also leading to a new type of distress, such as feelings of helplessness and hopelessness and chronic anxiety related to climate change.
A recent study, led by professionals from the Hospital Clínic Barcelona-IDIBAPS, links global warming with an increase in suicides, as well as suicidal behaviour and hospital admissions related to this problem. Also, exposure to polluting particles from fossil fuels is associated with a higher incidence of postnatal depression and may increase the risk of relapse in people with schizophrenia.
Vector-borne diseases
Rising temperatures are creating favourable conditions for the spread of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and other vectors or organisms.
Dengue and Chikungunya
These diseases are transmitted by mosquito bites and were considered tropical, but now autochthonous cases have been detected in Spain.
This is due to the expansion of the habitat of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which causes an increase in the risk of local outbreaks and increases the need for new strategies to control transmission vectors.
Lyme disease
The change in weather patterns affects the distribution of ticks. This results in a greater presence of ticks in previously unaffected areas, which causes an increase in cases of Lyme disease. Therefore, greater awareness about the disease and how to prevent its transmission is necessary.
Food and nutritional security
Climate change also affects food production and quality, which has direct implications for public health.
Nutritional quality of food
Increasing atmospheric CO2 alters the nutritional composition of crops, decreasing the protein content in some cereals and reducing essential micronutrients in fruit and vegetables. This may have a potential impact on food security in the long term.
Food contamination
Higher temperatures increase the risk of food contamination and lead to an increased proliferation of bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli and an increase in food poisoning. It is important to strengthen food safety measures.
Adaptation and mitigation strategies
To deal with the consequences of climate change and rising temperatures in Spain, a series of measures are being implemented to protect public health:
Risk prevention plans
- Early warning systems for heatwaves
- Creation of climate shelters in cities
- Awareness campaigns on the risks of heat and how to cope with it
Public Health Policies
- Strengthening emergency services during the summer
- Monitoring programmes for climate-related diseases
- Research on the impact of climate change on health
Climate Change Mitigation Measures
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
- Promotion of renewable energies
- Encouraging sustainable mobility
Climate change has a highly significant impact on public health. It has broad and complex effects ranging from the increase and severity of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, to its consequences on mental health and food security. It is essential that both the authorities and society in general are aware of these risks and act decisively to safeguard public health.
