
Title: The Cold Is Killing More Americans Every Year, Study Finds
A staggering new study has revealed a disturbing trend in the United States – cold-related deaths are increasing at an alarming rate. According to the research, there is a need for immediate action to address this critical issue.
The study analyzed data from 1980 to 2022 and found that mortality rates due to cold temperatures have been rising steadily over the past four decades. Specifically, it shows that between 2015 and 2022 alone, deaths related to cold exposure increased by an astonishing 35%.
The findings are particularly concerning given the projected increase in extreme weather events linked to climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, heatwaves and droughts become more common, but so do prolonged periods of unseasonably cold snaps.
“We’re not just talking about people dying from hypothermia,” Dr. Harshal Wadhera emphasized. “We’re also seeing an increase in heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events that are exacerbated by exposure to cold temperatures.”
Wadhera, a researcher at the University of California, pointed out that it’s not just seniors or people with pre-existing conditions who are affected – anyone can be at risk.
“We cannot afford to wait,” he stressed. “Policymakers need to take immediate action to address this growing crisis.”
Some potential solutions include ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to reliable indoor heating and expanding the availability of warming centers.
Source: gizmodo.com