Throughout Europe, exposure to severe winters in cold climates is a greater death threat than spending a very hot summer in warm climates. [emphasis, links added]
Simple, warm, gentle winters save lives, while cold weather and harsh winters shorten life.
The authors of a new study insist that the modern focus is on limiting global warming to reduce heat-related mortality because it ignores the more dangerous threat posed by cold weather.
“The main climate threat to reduce life expectancy in Europe remains low temperatures.
“…The main threat remains low-temperature mortality, which should no longer be overlooked in analyzing climate risks.”
Living in cold weather areas can reduce life expectancy by up to two years, and Living in a hot summer climate has little impact on life expectancy.
“Below the optimal temperature has a greater impact on mortality than warmer temperatures. In the coldest parts of Europe, The harsh winters cut life expectancy by 24 months, while warmer areas like the Azores have reduced by only 2 months.
“…the most favorable life area [were] Those who are warm winters due to their proximity to the sea, but with mild temperatures…”
As the climate continues to warm in the coming decades, This will bring net health benefits to humans.
“Broadly speaking, the European climate may be less harmful to humans…
“…even after controlling economic growth, a moderate warming trend seems to have brought modest gains from a life expectancy perspective.”
Due to health benefits and improved life expectancy of warm climates, Older people should migrate from colder areas to warmer areas.
“…there are potential benefits to encourage retirees to move to warm islands or coastal areas with thoughtful policies.
“The choice of retirement to move to a warm location should be a health-conscious decision, and this finding reflects behavioral choices observed in previous studies.”
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